Minister Of Communication And Information: IKN Development Must Be Seen From Optimistic Eyes, Government Mitigates Negative Impacts

Minister of Communication and Information Johnny G Plate/PHOTO VIA ANTARA

JAKARTA - Minister of Communication and Information Johnny G Plate said the construction of the new National Capital (IKN) must be viewed with an optimistic perspective because it will bring various benefits that can be directly felt by the community.

IKN development is President Joko Widodo's visionary idea. IKN is built in long stages and involves various parties, especially the surrounding community.

"We have to look at this development (IKN) from a positive perspective and point of view, from an optimistic point of view, from a participatory perspective, involving the whole community," said the Minister of Communication and Information, as quoted by Antara, Thursday, February 10.

According to the Minister of Communication and Informatics, the development of new IKN should not be diametrically opposed, as if there were gloomy times, dangers, fears, and harm to the community or local residents.

It is certain that the government has paid attention to mitigating various risks that will arise to avoid the negative impacts of development in new areas far from urban areas.

"Against negative impacts, the government will carry out mitigation. How is that to avoid as much as possible so that negative impacts (IKN development) are avoided," he said.

IKN development is also confirmed to provide great opportunities for local communities, such as the creation of many new jobs during the development stage.

The same opportunity exists in the production sector with the emergence of the need for goods and services in large quantities to support the development of the IKN area.

"Everywhere, yes, the environmental or economic environment must grow, there must be a multiplier effect on the economy, the environment for the people of Kalimantan. Trickle downs or economic seepage will occur in East Kalimantan," he said.

Johnny explained that the purpose of building IKN is to reduce disparities or gaps between regions. In this case, IKN development is carried out to prevent old growth centers from moving and developing on their own, while other areas are getting left behind.

"This is precisely the spread of growth and development centers," he emphasized.

Therefore, the Minister of Communication and Information invites all parties to support the development of IKN Nusantara with big aspirations, enthusiasm, and high optimism because it is the nation's great vision for equitable development.