Jokowi Explains The Reasons For Invite Ridwan Kamil To Review Direct IKN

Screenshot - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) when giving information after reviewing the Toll Road Project, IKN, East Kalimantan, Wednesday (1/11/2023).

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo explained the reasons for inviting former West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil to the capital city of Nusantara, East Kalimantan, in order to provide corrections in his capacity as an architect regarding the ongoing development at IKN.

"We just want to invite you to correct if there are things that are not good, especially with regard to architecture in the archipelago," said Jokowi when giving information after a series of working visits and laying stones for the construction of a number of infrastructures in the capital city of Nusantara, North Penajam Paser Regency, East Kalimantan, reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, November 1.

Jokowi considers Kang Emil, Ridwan Kamil's nickname, a well-known architect in Indonesia who already has great works, such as mosques in West Java, mosques in Padang, West Sumatra, and other monumental works.

"Mr. RK (Ridwan Kamil) is a well-known architect who has good designs," he said.

During a review at IKN on Wednesday, Kang Emil has provided a lot of input on infrastructure development to the Minister of PUPR Basuki Hadimuljono and also to President Jokowi.

"A lot, I went straight to Pak Basuki and I too," said Jokowi.

Kang Emil was seen accompanying President Jokowi on several work agendas at IKN today.

The former governor of West Java was seen sitting in the front row with the ministers of the Advanced Indonesia cabinet, President Jokowi, and regional officials during the groundbreaking ceremony at Nusantara Capital Airport in North Penajam Paser, East Kalimantan.

Kang Emil was also seen in the groundbreaking ceremony at Mayapada Hospital Nusantara Hospital in the IKN area.

The Presidential Special Staff Coordinator, AAGN Ari Dwipayana, said that President Jokowi had indeed invited Kang Emil to IKN this Wednesday.

"Mr. Ridwan Kamil was specially invited by the President to see firsthand the progress of IKN development because Kang Emil is an architect so that he can (provide) input according to his expertise," Ari said when contacted from Jakarta.