Jokowi Wants to Celebrate Indonesia's Independence Day in 2024 in New Capital

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo wanted to celebrate next year’s Indonesia’s Independence Day in the new capital IKN Nusantara. The statement was conveyed during the pre-market sounding on the capital city project.

“We want IKN to be a lively modern city by August 2024. We will hold the 79th Indonesian Independence Day in the courtyard of the IKN State Palace,” he said at the Djakarta Theater, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday night, October 18, 2022.

He opined that this plan would boost the spirit of investors. However, he would prioritize domestic investors because foreign investors are usually more concerned with the city’s concept. “Because many countries relocating their capital are just moving the buildings. We learn from other countries’ mistakes.”

The state head emphasized that this is the time for Indonesia to take the leap to be a future historical actor with joint efforts and mutual cooperation. “I believe we can celebrate August 17, 2024, in Nusantara.”

The former governor of Jakarta also said that moving the state capital was not merely moving buildings but a way to develop new work culture, a new mindset, and a new economy.

“Indonesia as a big country must have the courage to step up to have a big agenda, for the progress of the country. If we don't dare to transform from now on until whenever we will face difficulties to be a developed country and for the sustainability of IKN Nusantara,” he remarked.

Jokowi also asked all investors not to hesitate because the legal umbrella is clear, namely Law No. 3 of 2022. The regulation, he said, has even been approved by 93 percent of the factions in the DPR.

MOH. KHORY ALFARIZI

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