Penajam Paser Utara – The President-Elect of Indonesia for the 2024-2029 term, who also serves as the Minister of Defense, Prabowo Subianto, attended the inaugural cabinet meeting at the Nusantara Capital (IKN) in East Kalimantan on Monday, August 12, presided over by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).

“Respected Mr. Vice President. Respected Mr. President-Elect, Mr. Prabowo Subianto,” began Jokowi in his opening remarks.

The cabinet meeting broadly discussed the ongoing development of the IKN; the sustainability and transition of ministries towards the new government; and the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI). Jokowi mentioned that the capital’s relocation involves more than just a physical shift. More importantly, it is hoped that the move to IKN will also bring about a shift in mindset.

“We can work from anywhere, and the mobility here changes as well. In the Nusantara Capital, all vehicles are electric, and the energy used is green. The buildings here are all directed towards being green buildings, and accessibility is prioritized for pedestrians and cyclists,” Jokowi explained.

Discussing the economy, Jokowi elaborated that the IKN would develop under the concepts of a green and digital economy, aligning with the Asta Cita Prabowo-Gibran which also focuses on green, creative, and blue economies.

On the same occasion, Jokowi also highlighted the benefits to the people in Kalimantan, especially in East Kalimantan and more specifically in the North Penajam Paser Regency, from the capital’s relocation. “I believe this will spur economic growth in East Kalimantan Province, particularly in Balikpapan and, more specifically, North Penajam Paser,” said Jokowi.

“One of the reasons for relocating the capital is our desire for economic equality, as we know 58% of the country’s GDP is concentrated in Java. Thus, we want to even out the economic distribution and boost economic activities outside Java,” he continued.

In a press conference session following the inaugural cabinet meeting, Prabowo reiterated his commitment and determination to continue the development of the IKN. “President Jokowi has played a historic role as the initiator, and at the very least, I will continue it, if possible, I will help complete it,” he asserted.

Prabowo also expressed confidence that the capital’s functions would be operational within the next three to five years.

“Although we are aware that building a capital is not a short task—it’s a long, heavy job—I believe that in 3, 4, 5 years, the functions of this capital will indeed be operational,” he concluded.