The much-anticipated relocation of central government agencies to Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN) has faced a significant delay, primarily attributed to an unforeseen increase in the number of government ministries. Minister of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform (PANRB), Rini Widyantini, formally disclosed this development, highlighting the complexities involved in this ambitious national project.
Minister Rini elaborated that the original relocation plans had been meticulously designed and slated to occur between 2022 and 2024. These plans were even conceptualized within a detailed miniature design depicting the future governmental administration, signaling a clear roadmap for the move. However, evolving circumstances have necessitated a comprehensive re-evaluation.
“We are compelled to conduct a thorough re-screening process. This re-assessment is crucial because the number of ministries has expanded significantly, from an initial count of 34 to a current total of 48,” Rini stated during a recent meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission II at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday, November 25.
Rini further revealed that the foundational concept for the relocation planning was initiated during the administration of Indonesia’s 7th President, Joko Widodo (Jokowi). Ideally, the project should currently be well into its ‘medium-term’ implementation phase. Despite the previous target of 2024 for a phased relocation, incorporating strategies such as the use of shared office spaces, and with long-term adjustments already outlined for 2030 to 2045, the current reality presents new challenges.
These substantial adjustments are now imperative due to the aforementioned changes and additions within the ministerial structure. The planning process for relocating central government agencies to the nation’s capital had already undergone initial screening. However, the ministerial restructuring that occurred towards the end of 2024 or early 2025 has effectively necessitated a complete overhaul of that initial assessment.
Minister Rini emphasized that this extensive re-mapping is indispensable to facilitate the Ibu Kota Nusantara Authority (OIKN) in efficiently allocating placements for all government entities. She provided a clear illustration of this impact: “Previously, calculations were based on three Coordinating Ministers, requiring three dedicated towers. Now, with seven Coordinating Ministers, I must meticulously adjust which ministries will fall under each respective Coordinating Ministry.”
Summary
The relocation of central government agencies to Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN) faces a significant delay, primarily due to an unforeseen increase in the number of government ministries. Minister Rini Widyantini of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform disclosed that the original plans, set for 2022-2024, were based on 34 ministries, but this number has now expanded to 48.
This expansion necessitates a comprehensive re-screening and re-mapping process to effectively allocate placements for all government entities. Minister Rini emphasized the impact, noting that the increase from three to seven Coordinating Ministers requires substantial adjustments in infrastructure and ministerial groupings, crucial for the Ibu Kota Nusantara Authority (OIKN).
