Minister Of Public Works Regarding The IKN Project Not Fast First: Budget Limitation And Food Self-Sufficiency Focus

Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo (photo: dock. VOI)

JAKARTA - Minister of Public Works (PU) Dody Hanggodo opened his voice about the construction of the capital city of Nusantara (IKN), East Kalimantan, in the era of President Prabowo Subianto. Dody said that the construction of IKN next year will not be as fast as in the era of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) leadership.

The trigger is budget constraints and focuses on food self-sufficiency and energy security.

As a result, Dody assessed that IKN development cannot be 100 percent according to schedule or on track and not as fast as it used to be. The reason is, the government currently has a bigger focus, namely self-sufficiency in food and energy security.

"On track 100 percent, yes, definitely not. Right, the money is limited. We are all looking for money. If someone wants to wake up, yes, we are happy," said Dody at the PU Ministry office, quoted on Saturday, December 7.

"The influence is very slow, yes, no. So, the priority may be those who withdraw with us," he continued.

Even so, the Ministry of Public Works seeks to complete the IKN development. As for Prabowo's current directives, the priority of development is more on the completion of legislative, executive and judicial infrastructure.

"Pak Prabowo's target is August 17, 2028, already based there. As soon as August 17, 2029," said Dody.

Previously, Dody revealed that there was a possibility of a slowdown in IKN development. This is in line with the government's focus which is more on self-sufficiency in food.

"We will continue the IKN, (but) maybe the speed is not what it used to be," said Dody when met by reporters at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Wednesday, October 30.