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Hybrid Governance Model without Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD): A Constitutional Study on Representation in Nusantara Capital City

https://doi.org/10.17803/27130533.2026.2.36.426-451

Abstract

The relocation of the state capital to Nusantara Capital City (IKN) raises concerns about political representation. The IKN Authority, which operates at the ministerial level, performs local government functions without a Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD). This normative legal research analyzes the regulations regarding citizen representation as outlined in Law No. 3 of 2022 and compares these regulations with models from other special regions in Indonesia, as well as the capitals of other countries. The findings indicate that the current institutional design of the IKN is highly centralized under the oversight of the central government, which risks undermining democratic legitimacy. Comparative studies of Canberra and Brussels highlight the necessity for representative mechanisms, both full legislative and semi-legislative, to effectively articulate public aspirations. This study recommends adopting a hybrid model that integrates the supervisory functions of provincial DPRDs or local representative bodies with central authority through structured coordination. This approach aims to establish special regional governance that is adaptive, accountable, and consistent with the principles of constitutional democracy.

About the Authors

E. Saputra
Faculty of Law, Padjadjaran University
Indonesia

Edi Saputra , Dr. (Law)

Bandung



E. Suparman
Faculty of Law, Padjadjaran University
Indonesia

Eman Suparman, Professor 

Bandung



Z. Muttaqin
Faculty of Law, Padjadjaran University
Indonesia

Zainal Muttaqin , Professor

Bandung



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Review

For citations:


Saputra E., Suparman E., Muttaqin Z. Hybrid Governance Model without Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD): A Constitutional Study on Representation in Nusantara Capital City. Kutafin Law Review. 2026;13(2):426-451. https://doi.org/10.17803/27130533.2026.2.36.426-451

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