Reflecting On Yogyakarta International Airport, Jokowi Is Confident That Infrastructure Development At IKN Will Run Smoothly

President Jokowi arrives at Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport (Photo: BPMI Setpres/Laily Rachev)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo is optimistic that infrastructure development in the Capital of the Archipelago (IKN) can run smoothly and according to the planned deadline.

President Jokowi's optimism is based on the government's experience in building a number of infrastructures, including the Yogyakarta International Airport in Kulon Progo which has many challenges.

"The airport in Kulon Progo is that big (completed) 18 months, 1.5 years. Even though the challenges are many. The interior is difficult, then the ceiling is also very high, it can be solved," said President Jokowi while reviewing the Central Government Core Area (KIPP). ) IKN in Penajam Paser Utara Regency, East Kalimantan Province, Wednesday, June 22, quoted from Antara.

The Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono is no less convinced. He said construction at KIPP could start in August 2022.

"We have started here in August, sir. Ready," said the Minister of PUPR.

The head of the IKN Infrastructure Development Implementation Task Force, Danis H. Sumadilaga, in a separate statement said that at the point of the President's review, the Presidential Palace would be built.

"In the Central Government Core Area, we will build land development for several areas for the development of the Palace, for the development of offices, and so on, supported by clean water, sanitation, drainage, and others," said Danis.

Danis also explained to President Jokowi that currently his party is starting to gradually build the IKN area, especially in the 2022-2024 timeframe.

"Then outside the IKN area, we will start the construction of toll roads towards IKN. That's basically the point. God willing, starting in August, IKN construction will begin," he continued.

During the visit to the IKN area, President Jokowi also invited the chief editors of the national mass media and local media.