TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Public Works and Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono stated that Garuda Palace in the new capital city of Nusantara, or IKN, is a symbol of the nation’s independence. He contrasted it with the existing Presidential Palace, which he described as a colonial relic.

“When we have guests, we take pride in this colonial legacy. Now, in IKN, we are building [the palace] that reflects the culture of the Indonesian nation,” Basuki, who is also the Acting Head of the IKN Authority, said on the sidelines of the Presidential Archives’ Joint Exhibition titled "Let's Come Here to Nusantara!" at Taman Ismail Marzuki Jakarta on Thursday, August 8, 2024.

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo announced the relocation of the capital city from Jakarta to Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan, on August 26, 2019. The decision was based on several factors, including minimal disaster risk, strategic location, proximity to developed areas (Balikpapan and Samarinda), existing infrastructure, and government-owned land of up to 180,000 hectares.

According to Basuki, the plan to move the capital had been discussed by the national leaders since Indonesia’s independence. Several cities, such as Bandung, Jonggol, and Palangkaraya, were among the options as the relocation destination. However, the plan was ultimately realized under Jokowi’s administration.

“We accompanied him during the site survey to Gunung Mas and Mamuju before settling on Penajam Paser Utara,” Basuki revealed.

The minister underlined that the move would be more than just a physical relocation. “The President has repeatedly said that this is not merely about moving cities or buildings but transforming the way they are built,” he said.

The construction of the new capital was planned in five stages until 2045, with an estimated budget of Rp466 trillion. The government allocates 20 percent or around Rp90 trillion from the State Budget, while the remaining funds will rely on investors.

RIRI RAHAYU

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