President Jokowi Sees IKN Development Progress

President Joko Widodo when KRI Escolar will cross the Balang Island Bridge in the upstream part of Balikpapan Bay, on his way to Sepaku to IKN, Tuesday 25/10/22. (ANTARA/HO-biro Setpres)

BALIKPAPAN - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) reviewed the infrastructure development of the Nusantara Capital area (IKN), in North Penajam Paser Regency, East Kalimantan.

President Jokowi conveyed that a number of infrastructure projects such as dam construction, land development, and road access were running well.

"The development of land for the ministry office area, 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," President Jokowi said while at the Sepaku Dam, 70 km northwest of Balikpapan, as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, October 26.

The President said the overall progress of the work could be seen in January. The President added that progress in the development of new economic centers will also be seen, so it is hoped that the development of the IKN area can continue to run well.

"In January, God willing, not only government buildings, but the private sector, private sector, investors, PPP (public-private partnership) have already entered and started (building), and we hope this will continue to move," Jokowi said.

President Jokowi made a working visit to IKN by sea, which will become the logistics transportation area for IKN. The President said that the port 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," he said.

After seeing this progress, the President is optimistic that the commemoration of the Indonesian Independence Day on 17 August 2024 can be held at IKN.

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

The President and his entourage were escorted by KRI Escolar, a fast patrol boat of the Indonesian Navy with hull number 871. From Semayang Port at the mouth of Balikpapan Bay to Cita Sabut Port in Sepaku in upstream, KRI Escolar took one hour with an average speed of 15 knots.

Traveling by sea, the group saved one hour of time compared to the usual route by land travel and covered a distance of up to 80 km more than Balikpapan.

During the trip, the President and his entourage crossed the Balang Island Bridge that connects Balikpapan and IKN.

"This traces the logistics route for IKN," said the President.

Accompanying the President on this trip were Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono, Head of the IKN Authority Bambang Susantono, and East Kalimantan Governor Isran.