Jakarta – Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed his commitment to continue the development of the Nusantara Capital (IKN), initiated by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).

“I think I have mentioned several times that I am determined to continue. President Jokowi has already played a historic role. He initiated it, and at the very least, I will continue, and if possible, I will help complete it,” said Prabowo after attending the first cabinet meeting with Jokowi and ministers of the Indonesia Maju Cabinet in IKN, East Kalimantan, on Monday, August 12.

Prabowo also believes that within the next 3-5 years, the functionality of the Nusantara capital will become apparent, though not yet at its full potential.

“We are aware that building a capital is not a short-term job. It’s a long and heavy task,” stated the newly elected president of Indonesia.

“I think if we look, we are optimistic, and it will later be apparent how beneficial this move is, even though, of course, there is still much work to be done,” he continued.

In the inaugural cabinet meeting at the IKN, Jokowi discussed the sustainability and transition of ministries and the purchasing manager index (PMI). The capital’s relocation, Jokowi mentioned, is not just about physical movement but also about a shift in mindset.

“We can work from anywhere, and also shift how we move. In the Nusantara Capital, all transportation uses electric vehicles and green energy. The buildings here are all directed towards being green buildings, and accessibility is prioritized for pedestrians and cyclists,” explained Jokowi.

Furthermore, Jokowi continued, the economy to be developed in the IKN is a green economy, a digital economy that will accompany the governance of the Nusantara Capital.

“Once again, a green economy, a digital economy, data centers, financial centers, and others,” he added.