During a joint visit to the Nusantara Capital (IKN) area, East Kalimantan Province on Monday, August 12, 2024, President Joko Widodo and President-Elect Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed their commitment to the ongoing development of IKN. Both agreed that IKN represents a symbol of the nation’s future that must be actively promoted and completed, despite the challenges involved.

President Jokowi, in his press statement, highlighted the importance of the core governmental area currently being constructed in IKN as a strong foundation to attract more investors.

“The government has already started in the core area for governance here. This demonstrates our strong desire to complete the physical aspects related to the Presidential and Vice Presidential Palaces, the coordinating ministries, and other ministries, which we expect will encourage as many investors as possible to invest in IKN because investing in IKN is an investment in the future, not just the present,” said President Jokowi.

Regarding the Presidential Decree (Keppres) on the capital relocation, President Jokowi stated that the process involves more than just administrative issues but also on-the-ground readiness.

“We’ll see because it involves not just administration, not just the issue of the decree or the presidential regulation, but also the process on the ground must be considered, readiness on the ground must be prepared, readiness for the relocation. Even moving houses is complicated, let alone moving the capital. So, do not underestimate it,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, President-Elect Prabowo Subianto reiterated his determination to continue the development of IKN initiated by President Jokowi. “I am determined to continue, and if possible, to complete it. I think President Jokowi has taken a historic role, he initiated it, and at the very least, I will continue. If possible, I will be part of completing it,” said Prabowo.

He also acknowledged that building a capital is not a quick and easy task, but he remains optimistic that within the next three to five years, the functions of this capital will be operating smoothly.

Concluding his statement, Prabowo also affirmed his commitment to office in IKN once inaugurated. “If it’s the capital, then the president should be in the capital,” he said, indicating his seriousness in positioning IKN as the government center and a symbol of Indonesia’s progress.

This visit demonstrates the alignment of vision between the current and future leaders in realizing IKN as a modern and sustainable new governmental hub, and as part of Indonesia’s major transformation toward a better future.

Source : Presiden Jokowi dan Presiden Terpilih Prabowo Subianto Tegaskan Komitmen Lanjutkan Pembangunan IKN