Starting the day in the Nusantara Capital (IKN), North Penajam Paser Regency, East Kalimantan Province, on Monday morning, August 12, 2024, President Joko Widodo, accompanied by the Minister of Defense and President-elect for 2024-2029, Prabowo Subianto, personally reviewed the progress of IKN’s development. Together, they walked through several infrastructures under construction and paused at the Grande area to gain a clearer picture of the project’s development.
From that area, they observed the construction of the State Palace, the national axis area, and the buildings of several coordinating ministries. President Jokowi expressed positive feedback on the progress of IKN’s development and stated that the project was progressing as expected.
“The air is cool, the air is clean, just as we dreamed of having a green capital—whether it’s the energy, electric vehicles, the environment, the air, everything is already good,” said the President in his statement after the inspection.
Echoing this sentiment, Defense Minister Prabowo also felt similarly. Prabowo mentioned that the atmosphere in IKN was very good and he was optimistic about the smooth progress of its development.
“I think we all feel that the atmosphere is this good, even last night, so indeed the development is ongoing and should continue. If possible, we might speed it up, but of course, later on, all experts will be deployed, all our capabilities. I’m optimistic, I see it and I think it’s very good,” said Defense Minister Prabowo.
Regarding the sustainability of IKN’s development, Defense Minister Prabowo also stated that his government would be committed to continuing IKN’s development. Although it requires time, Prabowo is confident that IKN will be completed on schedule.
“We shouldn’t force it, but I’m optimistic that in 4-5 years, I think it will function very well. I’m not an engineer, but looking at its potential, I believe in 5-6 years, it will be good, completed,” revealed Prabowo.
Source: Senin Pagi, Presiden Jokowi dan Menhan Prabowo Tinjau Progres Pembangunan IKN