TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The House of Representatives (DPR) deputy speaker Fadli Zon opined President Joko Widodo or Jokowi set an unrealistic target that the relocation of the capital city will meet for completion in 2024.

“The target is hard to meet, but if it takes 10-15 years, it is realistic,” said Fadli in the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Tuesday, September 3.

Even within the range period, Fadli explained, the government must have dealt with issues on economy, debt-deficit, trade balance, and food.

According to him, fulfilling basic needs of the people are more urgent than developing new administrative hub. Besides, the country’s economy still grows at around 5 percent.

The economic growth at 8-12 percent at minimum is considered wise for the planned relocation. “Even when the President sleeps, [the growth will be] five percent.”

Previously, the President targeted to complete the relocation of the capital city to East Kalimantan Province before the end of his second term in 2024. He even had drafted the stages, starting from the land clearing, construction of infrastructure facilities, to construction of administration buildings.

“All ministries will move in 2023. When the State Palace is ready, we’ll move in 2023 or 2024 at maximum,” said Jokowi as quoted from Tempo Magazine edition August 26 - Sept 1, 2019.

DEWI NURITA