Public opinion on Indonesias capital relocation policy: a netnographic analysis

The pros and cons of relocating the National Capital City have remained an
unresolved issue across different regimes. When President Joko Widodo took concrete action
to relocate IKN legally, the DPR approved through Law (UU) Number 3 of 2022 concerning the
National Capital City (IKN), which was passed on January 18, 2022; the public immediately
responded with acceptance and rejection. The dynamics of public conversations and comments
through social media are intense. This research aims to answer public responses regarding the
new relationship between the centre and the areas after passing the IKN Law. Using the
netnography method, data were downloaded from the comment section of eight (8) YouTube
accounts� CNBC Channel, detik.com, Narasi, TV One, Metro, RH Channel, RG Channel, and ILC
Channel. This study employed thematic analysis and data processing with NVIVO 14 application.
The research findings show that the eight YouTube accounts with more than 25,000 comments
were categorised into two major themes. The first is an optimistic theme that expresses approval
for the relocation of IKN. The reason is to improve welfare (Java-outside Java), long-term
development planning, pro to the people, and show strong leadership to bridge the centre and
regions. The two pessimistic themes expressed rejection, citing concerns about natural damage,
potential corruption due to limited government finances, social inequality, and not being pro�people. This research recommends that the IKN relocation policy be understood optimistically
and holistically, especially in central-regional relations and equitable distribution of economic
access for a more prosperous Indonesia.