Jokowi Expected to Move to New Capital in September, Authority Head Says

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo or Jokowi will move to Nusantara Capital City or IKN in September 2024. “What I know is, President Jokowi will move (to IKN) if the airport is operational by the first week of September,” said Minister of Public Works and Housing Basuki Hadimuljono on Friday, August 23, 2024.

The Acting Head of the IKN Authority said the Presidential Office in the new capital is ready, including the president’s residence at the Presidential Palace. The basic infrastructure such as ministerial and government employee residences is also partially ready.

Regarding the runway for IKN Airport, Basuki explained that 1,100 meters out of 2,200 meters runway length is built. The runway will be ready by September 2 if not hindered by the rain, the minister said.

“Once the runway is done, we will spend two days installing lamps so (the Airport) can be operable by the first week (of September),” he said.

Previously, Jokowi postponed his plan to move to IKN in July 2024 due to incomplete infrastructure, such as the airport. Jokowi, however, managed to hold a plenary cabinet meeting in the new capital on Monday, August 12, 2024. Jokowi also celebrated the 79th Indonesian Independence Day in IKN. 

Jokowi said the IKN construction progress has reached 15 percent. This, the president said, was because of the long-term nature of the new capital city development. “The development may take 15 to 20 years,” he said. 

PDIP Chair Megawati Soekarnoputri on Thursday retold her daughter, House Speaker Puan Maharani’s experience in IKN. She said Puan experienced difficulty in finding clean water while spending time in the new capital. Megawati then asked the government to ensure water availability in IKN. “It would be difficult for the people if there’s no water,” she said.

RIRI RAHAYU

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