President Jokowi Buildings to Begin at IKN in January

President Jokowi spoke with PUPR Minister Basuki Hadimuljono while reviewing the Zero Point of the Archipelago Capital in North Penajam Paser Regency, East Kalimantan/ANTARA/HO-Biro Press of the Presidential Secretariat.

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) praised the development of infrastructure development for the Capital of the Archipelago (IKN) during a direct observation in North Penajam Paser Regency, East Kalimantan. He expressed his confidence that in January the buildings would have been built at IKN.

The President explained that what will be built in January is not only government buildings, but also those that are intended and used by the private sector, as markers of the new economic center in the IKN area.

"Later we can see in January, God willing, not only government buildings, but the private sector, investors, and PPP (public-private partnership), have entered and started. This is a new economic center and we hope that this will continue to move", Jokowi said, quoted by ANTARA from the official statement from the Press Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat, Tuesday, October 25.

Jokowi said the construction of several infrastructures was progressing well, such as the construction of dams, land development, and the opening of access roads.

"Land development for the ministry, for the vice president building, for the presidential building, I have seen everything in the preparation process. Road infrastructure development has also started, especially the toll road from IKN to Balikpapan. I think this is good progress", Jokowi said.

For information, President Jokowi and his entourage made a working visit to IKN via the sea route which will become the logistics transportation area to the new capital city.

The Head of State explained that the ports in the area will also be developed for public transportation.

"While we first use it for logistics and later in my opinion at the current port, this is an old port, this will also be developed for passengers and logistics", said Jokowi.

With various developments encountered in the field, the President is increasingly optimistic that the Commemoration Ceremony of the 78th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia (HUT RI) on August 17, 2024, can be held at IKN.

"Yes, if it works like this, I think God willing, we must be optimistic", said President Jokowi.