Work On Basic IKN Infrastructure Impressed In A Hurry For August 17, KPUPR: There's Nothing

JAKARTA - The development of basic infrastructure to support the activities of the 79th Indonesian Independence Day ceremony in the capital city of Nusantara (IKN) seems rushed by the government, in this case the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR).

This is reflected in the cost of the ceremony which suddenly swelled to Rp87 billion.

"This year we have prepared a budget of IDR 87 billion for 17 activities at IKN," said Director General of Budget of the Ministry of Finance Isa Rachmatarwata at a press conference on our State Budget in July 2024, Tuesday, August 13.

The Director General of Housing at the Ministry of PUPR, Iwan Suprijanto, opened his voice.

He denied that his party was working on basic infrastructure in IKN in a hurry.

According to him, the basic infrastructure that has been used during the 17th ceremony at IKN is indeed projects that can be functionalized.

"Nothing has been accelerated for August 17. So, we will continue to work on it. If the problem is not speeding," said Iwan when met after the Merdeka Festival at the PUPR Ministry Park, Jakarta, Tuesday, August 20.

Iwan claimed that the completion of a number of basic infrastructures in IKN was an innovation from the Ministry of PUPR. This means, he said, PUPR wants to complete various projects in a better way.

"When in China we wake up in a matter of hours, can't we? We have proven it can. So, it's not speeding," he said.

In fact, Iwan gave an example of his party being able to operate functionally 12 ASN flat towers to support the ceremony on August 17.

He also ensured that the construction of IKN would continue according to existing contracts.

"Then the target is not 17's. When August 17, there are some that can be used, yes, used. For example, 12 towers, yesterday there were around 400-500 units used and can accommodate up to 2.000 people. Then at the HPK (Construction Workers Resident) it could be up to 3.000 (people). Well, we will use it temporarily for that. But, after this construction we will continue again," he said.