Minister Affirms Infrastructure Ready for Independence Day Ceremony in Nusantara Capital City

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The government will be carrying out the commemorative ceremony for Indonesia’s 79th Independence Day in Nusantara Capital City or IKN on August 17, confirmed Minister of Public Works and Housing Basuki Hadimuljono on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. 

Minister Basuki said the supporting facilities and infrastructure such as water, electricity, and internet connection in the new capital are ready for the ceremony. Several ministerial buildings are also ready to host the flag-hoisting ceremony personnel and other guests. The 190-room capacity at the Nusantara Hotel in IKN will also be ready for use next August. 

Meanwhile, toll roads in IKN are still being constructed as the development was previously hampered by land issues. The minister also explained that IKN Airport construction with the 2,200-meter-long runway is expected to be completed soon and can be used by August 17, 2024.

Minister Basuki said his side will temporarily halt outdoor construction starting August 10 to prepare for the ceremony and clear the roads. 

"We will stop the outdoor development on the 10th (of August). But the interior development will be running as usual,” he said.

Previously, Basuki said the flag-raising squad would arrive in IKN on August 10. "That's why the works are temporarily halted,” said Basuki in Bogor Regency, West Java, Tuesday, July 9, 2024.

Even though construction in the IKN area will be temporarily stopped, project workers will not be sent home. The PUPR Ministry will provide alternative activities, such as certification training. Meanwhile, administrative workers and employees who work in the office will continue to carry out their duties as usual, Basuki said on July 5.

The celebration of the 79th Anniversary of the Indonesian Independence Day on August 17 is slated to take place in two cities, namely IKN and Jakarta.

Jokowi's move to IKN postponed

President Jokowi previously planned to move his office to IKN in July 2024. However, recently, he considered postponing the move to IKN because the infrastructure was not ready. 

He confirmed receiving a report from Minister Basuki that the construction of his office at IKN is not yet complete. He had originally planned to move in July 2024, with operations starting in parallel with the completion of the first phase of construction.

“Is the water infrastructure ready? Is the electricity infrastructure ready? Is the area ready? If they are ready, I’ll move,” he said after handing over humanitarian aid at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in East Jakarta on Monday, July 8.

RIZKI DEWI AYU | ANTARA | MICHELLE GABRIELLA | MELYNDA DWI PUSPITA | DANIEL A FAJRI | RIRI RAHAYU

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