Directly Visiting IKN Zero Point, Sri Mulyani Admits Development Will Be Complicated And Challenging

Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani (left) with Minister of PUPR Basuki Hadimuljono (Photo: Instagram @smindrawati)

JAKARTA - Minister of Finance (Menkeu) Sri Mulyani finally visited the construction site of the State Capital (IKN) in Penajam Paser, East Kalimantan. During the visit, the Minister of Finance was accompanied by the Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono.

"Pak Basuki, the Minister of PUPR and the @kemenpupr team explained to me about the development plan for the State Capital (IKN) at the Penajam Paser location in East Kalimantan," he said via his personal Instagram account @smindrawati on Friday, January 7.

According to the Minister of Finance, the Minister of PUPR and the team showed the Zero point of IKN which would later become the center of Indonesia's new government.

"Point Zero serves as a reference for the coordinates of the location for the construction of the State Palace complex and the government center as well as the gradual development of the next development in Penajam Paser, East Kalimantan," he said.

After witnessing the IKN location for himself, the state treasurer is well aware of the dynamics and challenges that will be faced from the strategic decision to move the capital city.

“This is a very complicated and challenging process of building the new National Capital. How to keep the environment, forests and biodiversity, including animals, in order to be maintained, but be able to realize the future state capital which is modern and cultured and civilized and reflects the noble values of the Indonesian nation," he explained.

As a true economist, the Minister of Finance's analysis does not escape the side of development funding. He tried to describe how the financing scheme will be implemented along with the financial potential that will occur afterward.

"In terms of financing and state finances, it also needs to be designed carefully and carefully so that IKN development goals can be achieved while maintaining the stability and sustainability of state finances," he stressed.

Just so you know, the government and parliament are currently working on special regulations related to the realization of the development of the State Capital in East Kalimantan. This step is intended as a legal umbrella for the technical regulations under it so that the dream of bringing the center of government from Jakarta can be fulfilled.

“A strong and good legal basis in the form of the IKN Bill is being discussed by the government with the DPR with input from the community. From the site visit of IKN point Zero. Penajam Paser, January 6, 2022," closed the Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani.