Minister Basuki Appreciated Japan For Sending Experts To Help Development Of IKN Infrastructure

Photo via Antara

JAKARTA - The Ministry of PUPR has strengthened cooperation in the construction of the National Capital (IKN) of the Archipelago with Japan in a bilateral meeting which is part of the G20 Summit in Bali.

"Thank you to the Japanese government, especially MLIT and JICA, who have helped us by sending several experts, especially for the ongoing supervision of IKN infrastructure development," said PUPR Minister Basuki Hadimuljono in a statement in Jakarta, Friday 18 November.

The Ministry of PUPR has started the construction of basic infrastructure in IKN since early September 2022, including the construction of toll roads and national roads, the provision of raw water, houses for IKN construction workers, and the preparation of ready-to-build land (land development).

Regarding the question of possible investor participation, Basuki emphasized President Jokowi's direction to accelerate the development of IKN, foreign investors can also be involved, for example, to build hospitals, schools, markets, and other infrastructure.

"It is hoped that Japanese entrepreneurs can invest in IKN development," he said as quoted by Antara.

Japan's Deputy Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation and Tourism (MLIT) Mizushima said Japan has a great interest in the IKN project.

Based on the MLIT Minister's request, JICA has submitted a letter to the Head of the Task Force for the Implementation of IKN Infrastructure Development, Danis Sumadilaga, to conduct a survey at IKN at the end of November.

"Through this survey, we want to exchange opinions actively with Indonesia regarding the development of sustainable cities in IKN," said Deputy Minister Mizshima.

Previously, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono appreciated South Korea's plan to participate in building a clean water system in the National Capital (IKN) of the Archipelago. The initial construction plan will begin in 2024, but the Ministry of PUPR hopes that the process of preparing the detailed technical plan can be accelerated, so that installations can begin to be built in 2023.