Projo's Group Will Go To IKN, Palace: They're Mr. Jokowi's Volunteers, It's Fine

JAKARTA - Head of the Presidential Secretariat (Kasetpres) Heru Budi Hartono said that the planned visit of the Projo group to the Indonesian Capital City (IKN) was limited to reviewing development progress.

Heru justified Projo's plan to visit the IKN. Given that they are volunteers for Jokowi who is currently still serving as President.

"Yes, as volunteers with Mr. Jokowi, it's okay to see the development of the IKN. Yes, chatting, chatting, seeing," said Heru to reporters, Monday, August 5.

Heru admitted that there was a shift in Projo's departure schedule to the IKN. This happened because the government will still focus on preparing for the Independence Day commemoration there.

Therefore, the Acting Governor of DKI Jakarta emphasized that there was no cancellation of Projo's planned visit to the new capital city in East Kalimantan.

"Projo is confirmed. Projo will go to the IKN after August 17. Postponed, not canceled. Postponed after August 17," said Heru.

Ahead of Independence Day, Heru said the organizing committee for the 79th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia began to focus on finalizing the preparation of activities from August 14 to the D-day.

"On the 14th, 15th, 16th there will be a dress rehearsal. So we are concentrating there. Including the President on the 14th who will be there to see the dress rehearsal," he explained.

Minister of Communication and Information (Menkominfo) who is also the General Chairperson of Projo Volunteers, Budi Arie Setiadi, said that around 500 volunteers would depart for the IKN. He ensured that their departure would not use state facilities.

"Remember, the volunteers departed there without using state facilities. It was purely mutual cooperation from all volunteers. So that we also want to see," said Budi Arie when met at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Thursday, August 1.

After communicating with Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, the volunteers canceled their visit to the IKN on August 11, 2024, as previously planned.

Budi said that the volunteers were planned to depart for the IKN to meet President Jokowi on August 24-25, 2024.

"So that our concentration is on August 17 first. I have also communicated with my fellow volunteers. Let's not be divided. This is August 17 first, until the August 17 ceremony, then we will go there," said Budi Arie.