Tony Blair Says the IKN Will be a Symbol of World Change, Here are 2 Important Aspects

Former British Prime Minister (PM) Tony Blair as well as Founder and Executive Chairman Tony Blair Institute (fourth from the left). (Photo: Theresia Agatha/VOI)

JAKARTA - Former British Prime Minister or PM Tony Blair and Founder and Executive Chairman of the Tony Blair Institute (TBI) said that the National Capital (IKN) of the Archipelago would become a symbol of world change.

"The archipelago will not only be the nation's capital, but will also become a symbol of world change," Tony told reporters in Jakarta, quoted Thursday, October 19.

Tony believes that there are two things that are the most important part of the archipelago. First, regarding the location of the archipelago in East Kalimantan, which is a location rich in biodiversity.

"This will be a characteristic of modern life, how activities can be carried out sustainably while protecting the environment," he said.

This, he said, could offer a more prosperous and harmonious life with the surrounding environment.

On this occasion, Tony also expressed the admiration he had felt since the beginning of the IKN project. Tony believes that IKN will not only have an impact on Indonesia, but the world.

Furthermore, Tony said, the second most important point is regarding technology that will make the archipelago a unique modern city.

"As an institute, one of the things we want to do is help build a research, innovation, and technology center for the archipelago, with the help of Pertamina as a State-owned Enterprise (BUMN)," he said.

With the presence of a world-class research, innovation and technology center in the archipelago, continued Tony, Indonesia confirms its commitment to becoming a developed country, as has been repeatedly emphasized by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).

"Nusantara is an ambitious project, but I believe this project will be realized," he added.

As previously reported, the Archipelago Capital Authority (OIKN) signed a collaboration or MoU with the Tony Blair Institute (TBI) to support IKN development in East Kalimantan.

This MoU was signed by OIKN Secretary Achmad Jaka Santos Adiwajaya and TBI Indonesia Country Director Shuhaela Haqim.

The signing of this collaboration covers 4 aspects, namely improving the education sector through collaboration between higher education institutions, developing the health sector related to clinical trials, research and development.

Then, develop investment potential by preparing strategic business plans, facilitating foreign investment, and communication strategies, as well as city development through comparative studies of future cities in the world.

"Today's MoU marks our collaboration which will pave the way for the development of research and innovation zones in the archipelago," said Head of OIKN Bambang Susantono at a press conference in Jakarta, Wednesday, October 18.