Academia Open
Vol. 11 No. 1 (2026): June

Democratic Deficit in the Governance of the Indonesian Capital City: Defisit Demokrasi dalam Tata Kelola Ibu Kota Nusantara

Rena Puspita Dewi Purba (Program Studi Ilmu Hukum, Universitas Maritim Raja Ali Haji)
Mayang Rabbani (Program Studi Ilmu Hukum, Universitas Maritim Raja Ali Haji)
Firli Novansyah Putra (Program Studi Ilmu Hukum, Universitas Maritim Raja Ali Haji)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Dec 2025

Abstract

Background: The relocation of Indonesia’s national capital to East Kalimantan has introduced a distinctive governance arrangement for the administration of the Indonesian Capital City. Specific background: This arrangement is implemented through the Indonesian Capital Authority, a ministerial-level institution directly accountable to the President and operating outside the conventional regional government system. Knowledge gap: Limited legal scholarship has examined how this governance model aligns with good governance principles and democratic constitutional norms. Aims: This study analyzes the governance of the Indonesian Capital City by examining the position and authority of the Indonesian Capital Authority within the framework of good governance. Results: The findings show that the concentration of extensive administrative powers in the absence of a local representative body generates accountability gaps, weak public participation, and limited checks and balances. Novelty: This research conceptualizes the democratic deficit in the governance of the Indonesian Capital City through an administrative law and constitutional perspective. Implications: The study highlights the need for regulatory restructuring and oversight mechanisms to ensure transparent, accountable, and democratically grounded governance. Highlights The governance of the Indonesian Capital City is characterized by centralized authority. The absence of local representative institutions reflects a democratic deficit. Good governance principles are not fully reflected in the current governance structure. Keywords Indonesian Capital Authority, Good Governance, Democratic Deficit, Capital City Governance, Constitutional Administration

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Journal Info

Abbrev

acopen

Publisher

Subject

Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

Academia Open is published by Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo published 2 (two) issues per year (June and December). This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge. This ...