The New City Megaproject's Issues: Network Discourse Analysis of the Development of the Pros and Cons of the Archipelago's Determination and Capital Development (IKN)

Abstract

President Jokowi signed Law Number 3/2022 on February 15, 2022, which declared Nusantara as the name of the new capital city, which is known in Indonesia by its abbreviation, IKN (Ibu Kota Nusantara). Since the passage of the law, both supporters and opponents of the decision have raised their voices in public places. IKN will replace Jakarta, which has existed as the capital of Indonesia since 1945. In the midst of concerns and issues regarding democratic regression, oligarchic dominance, the displacement of indigenous peoples, the COVID-19 pandemic, and forecasts of a global recession, these pro and con voices are becoming more and more abrasive. The paper attempts to discuss the debate between proponents and opponents of IKN's determination and development. Discourse can be interpreted in this context as a set of concepts or ideas that are communicated by actors in order to influence public policy. The research mixes discourse analysis (qualitative content) with social networking techniques by applying the discourse network method (DNA) analysis. The idea of discourse coalition adds depth to the DNA approach by mapping every discourse that emerges about an issue (what), as well as the players who express the discourse (who) related to the issues and actors who are pro and contra to the IKN.