TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) deputy of regional development, Rudy Suprihadi, said his side targeted to issue regulations on the new capital city this mid-year.

“At least in June or July 2020,” said Rudi at Shangri-La Hotel, Jakarta, Wednesday, January 22.

Rudy explained that all construction of the new administrative center will be carried out after the law issuance, while the bill will be submitted to President Jokowi this week or the next one. “Hopefully soon,” he added.

After obtaining the president’s approval, the bill will be delivered to the House of Representatives (DPR), which Rudy predicted will take a long process. However, he hoped it will meet the deadline.

“The groundbreaking is targeted to kick off in 2021,” Rudy added. Even so, the Ministry of Public Works and Housing can start constructing the access from the existing cities, such as Balikpapan.

Rudy further said that the president is scheduled to sign the presidential regulation on the establishment of the new capital authority at the end of January 2020, detailing that it will stipulate the board structures and related rules.

The new capital city board, Rudy added, will be helmed by a minister-level official tapped by President Jokowi, while the deputy positions will be opened for auction.

CAESAR AKBAR