Jokowi Postpones Moving to Nusantara Amid Infrastructure Progress
- VIVA.co.id/Fikri Halim
Jakarta – Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is waiting for the completion of supporting infrastructure before moving to his office in Nusantara Capital City (IKN) in East Kalimantan. The office was initially estimated to be ready by July 2024.
"The relocation depends on the availability of electricity, water, and office readiness," the head of state said during the send-off of humanitarian aid for Papua New Guinea and Afghanistan from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta on Monday, as quoted from Antara site.
Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono previously reported to President Jokowi about the readiness of infrastructure in IKN, such as water, electricity, and the President's office.
Based on the report, President Jokowi said that the infrastructure is not yet ready for use.
Presiden Jokowi.
- Dok. Biro Pers Sekretariat Presiden
On a previous occasion, he said he was optimistic about starting work in IKN in July, once the raw water supply was made available.
According to him, the water supply for IKN will be sourced from the recently inaugurated Sepaku Semoi Dam in North Penajam Paser, East Kalimantan.
"We just have to wait for the pump to raise the water and then distribute it to buildings and houses in IKN," the President said in early June.
In line with that, Presidential Secretariat Head Heru Budi Hartono said that the relocation of Jokowi's office to IKN is still pending the establishment of basic infrastructure in the area.
"We will see the development of existing infrastructure," Hartono said in June.
Some infrastructure is still being prepared, including a clean water supply and an airport in North Penajam Paser.
Despite the airport's construction aiming for completion next August, Hartono emphasized the need for additional checks and obtaining the airport’s operational permit.
