Penajam Paser Utara, IO – President-elect Prabowo Subianto, who is also the incumbent defense minister, attended the first plenary cabinet meeting in Indonesia’s new administrative capital Nusantara (IKN), East Kalimantan, on Monday (12/8). The meeting was presided over by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.
The meeting discussed the future development of IKN, continuity and transition to the upcmoning administration, and Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI). Jokowi reiterated that the capital city relocation was not just about moving physical infrastucture but more importantly shifting mindset and work habit.
“We can work from anywhere, and also change our mobility because here at IKN the mobility will rely on electric vehicles and the use of green energy. All buildings here are built in accordance with the green building principles and accessibility is also prioritized for pedestrians and cyclists,” explained Jokowi.
About the economy, Jokowi went on to say that IKN will be focused on green economy and digital economy. This is also in line with one of Prabowo-Gibran’s Asta Cita (Eight Aspirations) platform, which focuses on green economy, creative economy and blue economy.
Jokowi also pointed out the benefits Kalimantan, especially East Kalimantan residents will enjoy with the presence of IKN. “I believe this will spur economic growth in the province of East Kalimantan, especially in Balikpapan and more specifically in Penajam Paser Utara regency,” said Jokowi.
“One of the reasons why the capital city is relocated is because we want to improve equality, because we know that 58 percent of the economy is centered in Java, so we want regions outside Java to also grow and enjoy economic benefits.”
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In a press conference session after the meeting, Prabowo reiterated his commitment and determination to continue the development of the IKN. “I think Mr. Jokowi has made a historic achievement by initiating it [IKN]. The least I can do is to continue it, and if possible to see it completed,” he said.
Prabowo also said he believed that IKN would be fully functional in the next three to five years. “We are well aware that the development of the capital city is not a short-term undertaking; it takes a long time and hard job, but I believe that in between three and five years, the function of the capital city can be running optimally,” he said.