The Story Of Ahok Never Giving Input On IKN, But Jokowi's Undeniable

Basuki Tjahaja Purnama or Ahok said that he had given input about IKN but President Jokowi ignored it. (Instagram/@basukibtp)

JAKARTA - Former Pertamina President Commissioner Basuki Tjahaja Purnama alias Ahok emphasized that he was not the one who rejected the development of the Nusantara State Capital (IKN) launched by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).

Ahok admitted that he had been invited by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to discuss the IKN development. In fact, he said his name was also included in the IKN head nomination exchange for authority.

"Honestly, when IKN wanted to be formed, Mr. Jokowi had already called me, ask. I am one of the candidates for the head (of authority) of IKN. At that time, yes," he said in an event entitled Ahok is Back, in Jakarta, Thursday, February 8.

Ahok said that at that time he was asked by Jokowi about what was needed for IKN development. He also said that the first thing that must be done to invite investors to enter is the establishment of the IKN Law (UU).

"I was asked, this (not yet there) is a law. I said (to Pak Jokowi) sir, if investors want to enter, the first step must be the IKN Law. Only people want to believe it. The first step," he said.

Then, Ahok admitted that he also gave advice on location selection. At that time, he suggested that IKN be built in Central Kalimantan (Central Kalimantan).

"Then second, if you want to be based on historical, historical, Trisakti talking, talking about nawaci, IKN should be in Central Kalimantan. According to Bung Karno," he said.

The former governor of DKI Jakarta also established the reason why Central Kalimantan is the right location for the construction of a new capital city. He said, in this province PT Pertamina already has a lot of land there. That way, there is no need to bother with land acquisition.

"Why in Central Kalimantan? Because Central Kalimantan does not need to free land," he said.

Ahok also said that if the new capital city was built in Central Kalimantan, its transportation would be more flexible to reach all of Kalimantan Island.

"All our employees (Pertamina), all our offices will be moved to Central Kalimantan. So this is like hearing, America. This plane is the base in the middle. So it's only been two hours everywhere, two hours, two hours. Maybe four landings. We have our own aviation fuel," he said.

Not only Central Kalimantan, Ahok also provided options for IKN development locations in East Kalimantan (Kaltim). Ahok suggested that the relocation of the capital city be placed in Balikpapan because there are assets of PT Pertamina that can be used by the government.

"So my suggestion. Then suddenly everything broke up (IKN) in East Kalimantan. I also said about East Kalimantan, saying this, why do you want to insist in East Kalimantan, it's easy, sir," said Ahok.

'Gampang. The capital city, for example in East Kalimantan, just use Balikpapan and its surroundings. Why? Because of that, Pertamina's assets are thousands of hectares. Tens of thousands of land is all messy. That's all," he continued.

However, Ahok admitted that his proposal was not carried out. Because Jokowi chose the location for the IKN construction in North Penajam Paser Regency, East Kalimantan.

"I don't know what happened. Don't get me wrong anymore. Later you say Ahok doesn't agree with IKN. I agree with IKN, you know. It's just now that it's stagnant, what makes you stagnate, freeing land can be two million, one million and a half, it's clear that it's stagnant," he said.

According to Ahok, if the government's advice is made, it is very easy to get the right to land use. However, because he did not follow his advice, Ahok considered that there were many problems in the IKN development process. One of them is about investors who are reluctant to enter.

"Investors don't want to enter, please. If I say, the property must enter. If I have land like this table, it doesn't sell, I will tell you to help entrepreneurs build this building, yes, the land is free, you build it for free," he said.

However, continued Ahok, the government cannot carry out its plan to let investors build property in IKN. The reason is, they do not want to be charged with land acquisition that does not belong to the government.

"Why? As soon as you wake up these two, then he doesn't have a boss. If suddenly there is a building, this suddenly becomes expensive or doesn't it have me? It's expensive for me. But now I can't give it for free. Now everyone has it," he said.

"Then why don't you just use Balikpapan? (Instead of Pertamina). This is a bit different from Mr. Anies who rejects IKN. For me, IKN is okay, but there is no need to change land. Can use it in Central Kalimantan or in Balikpapan has Pertamina. And once again, I'm sorry, Mr. President, "he continued.