New Capital's 2023 Development Plan Is Ready: Bappenas

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - National Development Planning Minister or Bappenas Head, Suharso Monoarfa, said the government had prepared a development plan for the new capital or IKN Nusantara in Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan, in 2023.

The development plan is being finalized by the IKN Authority and relevant ministries and institutions.

“The budget allocation for IKN development in 2023 is now ready,” said Suharso in a meeting on the 2022 central development held virtually on Thursday, April 21.

However, he stopped short of detailing the amount of the budget. As for the construction plan, the United Development Party (PKB) politician explained that the government will focus on building the main roads, including toll roads, outer ring roads, access roads, district roads, and roads for logistics carriers. 

The government will also construct basic infrastructure for settlements, water resources and flood control, as well as defense infrastructure.

In parallel, the government will build houses of worship, educational facilities, health facilities, community facilities, and environmental assets such as traditional halls and cultural centers.

In the early stages of development, Suharso said the government will conduct forest conservation and restoration. The new capital development project is planned to commence in 2023, while the first phase of the capital relocation is targeted to kick-start in 2024 until 2045.

Read: Govt Allots Rp264 Billion for Roadworks in New Capital

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA