Jokowi Said That The August 17 Ceremony At IKN Was Reduced From 1,300 People To 8,000 Guests

President Jokowi during the 'Groundbreaking Nusantara International Convention Center and Hotel' at IKN, East Kalimantan, Monday (12/8/2024). (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) explained the reduction in the number of state guest invitations to attend the celebration of the 79th Indonesian Independence Day in the capital city of Nusantara (IKN).

Originally invited guests from 1,300 people became 8,000 guests because the number of hotels was insufficient.

At first, 8,000 (guests) were invited, (after) calculating, the hotels were not enough. Accommodation is not enough, consumption is also very difficult," said Jokowi when giving a speech at the Groundbreaking Nusantara International Convention Center and Hotel at IKN, East Kalimantan, Monday, August 12, confiscated by Antara.

Jokowi admitted that the ecosystem in IKN had not yet been built. Therefore, which originally invited 8,000 guests, reduced to 4,000 guests.

However, Jokowi continued, after reducing it to 4,000 guests, it was still hampered by the lack of hotels and consumption.

"Finally, from 4,000 it was cut to 2,000. However, even 2,000 were still not enough, finally yesterday's final decision became 1,300 guests who would be invited to the State Palace (IKN), to attend the 79th Independence Anniversary ceremony," said Jokowi.

However, this number will still be added to the number of people from around the area who do not need hotels or other accommodations.

Therefore, Jokowi admitted that he was happy to lay the first stone or groundbreaking for private hotels.

He believes that with the presence of private hotels, obstacles such as shortages of hotel rooms can be overcome.

Moreover, Jokowi continued, because IKN has a very large magnet, many people asked to be invited to attend the celebration of the 79th Indonesian Independence Day at IKN.

"Every time I meet anyone, (they say), sir, I ask for the invitation, sir. Meet again, it's (the invitation) that was requested again. In fact, I never brought an invitation," said Jokowi.

Based on this enthusiasm, Jokowi appreciates the construction of hotels and convention centers at IKN.

"By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, laying the first stone, groundbreaking Nusantara International Convention Center and Hotel, I officially declare that it will start," said Jokowi.