New National Capital Project Discussed Again, PKS Sindir Jokowi Doesn't Understand Priority Scale

DOK / ANTARA / President Jokowi in Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan, the location of the new nation's capital

JAKARTA - Member of Commission V DPR Suryadi Jaya Purnama, asked the government to postpone the plan to build the nation's capital city (IKN) in East Kalimantan (Kaltim) amidst the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The government is considered not to consider the priority scale if it imposes the construction of the IKN that will start in the near future.

"The government does not understand the priority scale in development, because currently everything is focused on handling the COVID-19 pandemic," said Suryadi, Wednesday, April 21.

Suryadi revealed that the discourse on IKN development still needs to be studied, especially the issue of the urgency of moving the capital city from Jakarta to East Kalimantan.

The PKS politician also mentioned the increase in state debt due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Where the government has to patch the APBN through loans because state revenues are battered during the pandemic.

"Precisely with new burdens such as the construction of the Palace (IKN), this will become a new burden, not a solution but instead a problem that we must bear," said Suryadi.

Previously, Minister of National Development Planning / Head of Bappenas Suharso Monoarfa targeted that the DPR could start discussing the Draft Law (RUU) on the Transfer of the State Capital (IKN) by the DPR in May 2021.

"The DPR will be in recess, in May (the DPR) will just enter. Maybe after the recess, then the surpres (presidential letter) came in. Hopefully it can be faster, ”said Minister of National Development Planning / Head of Bappenas Suharso Monoarfa during an online interview, Wednesday, April 14.