US Gives Grants Of IDR 31.2 Billion To Support IKN Development

Illustration (Photo: Doc. ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The United States (US) has provided a grant of US$2.49 million or around Rp. 31.2 billion for the construction of the capital city of the archipelago (IKN).

Director of the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) Enoh T Ebong said that the two countries do have a rich partnership history.

One of them is focusing on advancing Indonesia's infrastructure priorities which can be supported by the US private sector through cutting-edge innovations.

"We have the same commitment as Indonesia to develop high-quality infrastructure that will grow and maintain long-term welfare in all regions in this country," said Ebong in a written statement, Thursday, March 7.

For the first program, the US will provide grant funds to OIKN to provide technical assistance that will develop detailed designs, technical specifications, procurement documentation to capacity building strategies.

The program was formed to support the development of smart city infrastructure, which is a priority for IKN development.

Second, in April 2024, USTDA will send a decision-making delegation from IKN to New York, Texas and California, to meet potential US partners.

"Among many of our other projects in this country, USTDA is here to support Indonesia's efforts to build a new world-class capital, a challenging effort that has also created many opportunities for cooperation," he said.

As for March 2024, USTDA hosted a business forum in Jakarta which US companies participated in to hear from Indonesian officials about the current priorities, needs and challenges related to IKN development.

The participants will study future opportunities in the implementation of smart cities in IKN, interacting with Indonesian officials who encourage the development of the city and are connected to private Indonesian companies who are interested in establishing partnerships.