Meeting With Japanese Delegations, Minister Basuki Conveys Opportunities For IKN Development Cooperation

PUPR Minister Basuki Hadimuljono (first from the left). Photo: Doc. Ministry of PUPR

JAKARTA - Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono said there were a number of opportunities for cooperation in the development of the Nusantara State Capital (IKN) with Japan.

This was revealed by Minister Basuki during a meeting with a number of Japanese Delegations led by Japanese Prime Minister Special Advisor Mori Masafumi, on Wednesday, September 6.

"There are a number of good jobs for cooperation between Indonesia and Japan, one of which is the plan to build the Batu Lepek Dam to support the capacity of the Sepaku Semoi Dam in providing raw water at IKN," Basuki said in a written statement received by VOI, on Thursday, September 7.

Minister Basuki said that currently the Ministry of PUPR has built the Sepaku Semoi Dam for IKN with a capacity of 2000 liters per second, but from the projection it is only sufficient until 2030 based on the IKN development plan.

Thus, the Ministry of PUPR has planned a project of the Batu Lepek Dam which is a larger dam at IKN, with a capacity of 8000 liters per second.

Basuki said another opportunity for infrastructure cooperation at IKN was in the construction of trains from Balikpapan to IKN.

"This is to increase access to IKN, apart from now on, toll roads have been built which will shorten the travel time from Balikpapan," he said.

According to Basuki, the potential for further cooperation in IKN is related to energy.

"I know that Japan already has a green energy program, I hope it can cooperate in this field," he said.

In addition, Basuki said, investment in commercial fields such as property, hotels, commercial houses, and hospitals is also needed.

"If there are investors who are interested and find it difficult to meet me directly. I am ready to help and ensure convenience in investing," he said.

Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Special Advisor Mori Masafumi said Japan is currently conducting research in supporting the development of the IKN region.

"The points conveyed by the Minister of PUPR can be input in the research that is being carried out. After the results of the research from JICA, it will be taken into consideration for the master plan for the development of IKN," he said.

So far, 79 development work packages have been implemented at IKN which are divided into two stages.

The progress of the first phase of development starting from 2020 as many as 40 packages is currently 43.3 percent, while for the second stage as many as 39 packages, construction has only started since March 2023.