First Cabinet Meeting in IKN; Jokowi, Prabowo Discuss Investment and Challenges

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo or Jokowi led the first cabinet meeting in the Nusantara Capital City or IKN, Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan on Monday, August 12, 2024, to review government programs, particularly the progress of the new capital development.

1. Investment in IKN

Jokowi announced that Rp56.2 trillion in private investment has flowed into the project thus far. The figure came from 55 companies across various sectors, including education, health, retail, and hospitality. “[We are focused on building] a green and digital economy in the IKN,” he said in a plenary cabinet meeting at the IKN on August 12, 2024.

2. Prabowo Commits to Continuing IKN Development

President-elect Prabowo Subianto was asked about his commitment to continuing the IKN development three times. He thus reiterated his readiness. “Pak Jokowi has taken a historical role. He initiated it, so at least I will continue it and complete it if possible,” the Defense Minister remarked.

3. Jokowi Highlights IKN’s Air Quality

Jokowi highlighted the improved air quality in IKN compared to Singapore. He said the air quality index in IKN was 6, while Singapore at 53, attributing it to the new city's low population density and ongoing development. “The air is very fresh and clean, good for health,” he said while reviewing the reservoir area in IKN.

However, the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) cautioned against premature comparisons, citing the lack of full-scale operations in IKN. “The air is clean at the present because there is no activity,” said Dwi Sawung, Walhi's Spatial Planning and Infrastructure Campaign Manager, on Monday, August 12, 2024.

4. Relocation of the Capital City to IKN

Prabowo emphasized the timeline of three to five years for the Nusantara Capital City to become fully operational. “Although we are aware that building the capital city is not a short job, it is a long and complex job,” said Prabowo on August 12, 2024. He also committed to continuing the IKN development.

5. Relocating the Capital Not as Easy as Moving House

The President underscored the complexities of moving the capital city from Jakarta to Nusantara. “Moving house is complicated, let alone moving a capital city. It's not a simple task,” he said.

Jokowi highlighted that the relocation process involves more than administrative changes and requires careful planning and preparation. Incoming President Prabowo Subianto, who will be sworn in in October 2024, expressed his commitment to continuing the project. “I am determined to continue the development and complete it if possible.”

DANIEL A. FAJRI | IRSYAN HASYIM

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