Regarding Rumors Of Being Head Of The IKN Authority, Bambang Brodjonegoro Reluctant To Wish

Former Minister of Research and Technology (Menristek) and Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Bambang Brodjonegoro (Photo: ANTARA/Muhammad Zulfikar)

JAKARTA - Former Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas Bambang Brodjonegoro admitted that he did not want to make assumptions about his name being named as one of the candidates for the Head of the National Capital Authority (IKN) of the Archipelago.

"There's no need to speculate, I'm currently focusing on the private sector," said Bambang when contacted by ANTARA in Jakarta, Saturday.

Bambang's name was mentioned as one of the candidates for the Head of the State Capital Authority (IKN) as a candidate from a non-political party. President Jokowi on February 22, 2022 did hint that the figure of the Head of the IKN Authority to be elected would come from non-political parties.

However, until now, Bambang admitted that he had not received official information regarding his chances as a candidate for the Head of the IKN Authority.

Likewise when he was asked about whether the Presidential Palace had contacted him regarding his chances as one of the candidates for the Head of the IKN Authority.

"I haven't heard anything," said Bambang, who is also the former Minister of Finance and Minister of Research and Technology.

Apart from Bambang Brodjonegoro, several figures from various circles are also said to have the opportunity to become the Head of the IKN Authority, such as former DKI Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama alias Ahok, former Banyuwangi Regent Abdullah Azwar Anas, and former President Director of Wijaya Karya (Wika) Tumiyana.

Recently, the name of the former Deputy Minister of Transportation and also the Vice President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for Knowledge Management and Sustainable Development Affairs, Bambang Susantono, is said to have the opportunity to become the Head of the IKN Authority.

Bambang Susantono, who was contacted to confirm the issue, has not yet responded to the questions asked.

Meanwhile, the Main Expert Staff of the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) Wandy Tuturoong conveyed that there was news that the Head of the IKN Authority would be sworn in by President Joko Widodo next week, but he could not confirm the news specifically.

"It may have been (chosen) if the inauguration (next) week has been made," said Wandy in response to a question whether President Jokowi had chosen the Head of the IKN Authority.

According to Law Number 3 of 2022 concerning IKN, the President of the Republic of Indonesia appoints and appoints the Head and Deputy Head of the IKN Authority no later than two months after the Law is promulgated on February 15, 2022, or that means until April 15, 2022.