TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The relocation of the national capital city from Jakarta to East Kalimantan is a major leap forward in realizing Indonesian-centric instead of Java-centric development, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has said.

"We want Indonesia not becoming a Java-centric country, but it must be Indonesian-centric. The relocation of the national capital is not merely for show," he said at the inauguration of the Indonesian National Student Movement Alumni Union's (PA GMNI) Central Executive Board for the 2021–2026 term, accessed online on Saturday.

President Jokowi urged members of PA GMNI's central executive board to play a role in advancing national independence and realizing prosperity for all Indonesians from Sabang to Merauke, and from Miangas to the Rote Island.

He also urged GMNI cadres to create innovative breakthroughs and reduce dependence on other countries.

To enhance national development, the government commenced the construction of the new national capital, Nusantara, in North Penajam Paser District, East Kalimantan, on March 20, 2022, he said.

The aspiration to relocate the national capital away from Jakarta was initiated by the first President of Indonesia Soekarno, who intended to develop Palangka Raya city in Central Kalimantan as the future national capital in 1957, he noted.

The President pointed out that the process to relocate the national capital city to East Kalimantan in the central part of Indonesia is aimed at achieving social justice for all people.

"Kalimantan Island is a gem in the Equatorial Emerald. The great transformation that we have attempted is not merely to relocate the national capital city, but is to achieve a strong and resilient national economy," Jokowi said.

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