TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - National Development Planning Minister/National Development Planning Agency Chief Suharso Monoarfa hoped the president and vice president elected in 2024 would commit to continuing the development of the new capital city (IKN) in North Penajam Paser, East Kalimantan. He said the relocation of The IKN and its development had been mandated by the law.

“Hopefully, yes [they will continue the development of IKN]. But, of course, this depends on today’s political map,” he said in his office on Wednesday, January 25, 2022.

He added the continuation of the IKN development was pivotal given the massive investments involved. According to Bappenas, the IKN development would require estimated investments of Rp110 trillion until 2024 for its basic infrastructure.

The capital stems from state coffers, the utilization of state assets, cooperation between the government and business entities, and private investments. The President [elected in 2024] must cast a vision to the future. This is an expectation, a hope,” he said.

Suharso added the formulation of the IKN Law the House passed on January 18 had gone through a constitutional process to minimize any possible lawsuits. He claimed the government had involved society and a string of experts in prior discussions on IKN.

“The creation of this law had involved prominent figures of East Kalimantan since 2019,” he said.

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FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA