President Jokowi Meets OIKN Staff, Minister of Transportation at Garuda Palace

Acting Head of the Nusantara Capital Authority Basuki Hadimuljono gives press statement at the Nusantara Capital (IKN), Monday (07/29). (Photo by: Bureau of Press, Media and Information (BPMI) of the Presidential Secretariat/Muchlis Jr)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo held a meeting with Minister of Public Works and Public Housing who also serves as Acting Head of the Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN) Basuki Hadimuljono and OIKN staff at the Garuda Palace, at the Nusantara Capital (IKN) area, Monday (07/29). The meeting was the first minister visit received by the President in his new office.

“Today Mr. President starts working in his office at the IKN and we are lucky to be his guests, the first organization that Mr. President welcomes. I came here together with all my deputies and the Minister of Transportation,” said Minister Basuki in his statement to media crew after the meeting.

Basuki also stated several important points from the meeting. Firstly, the President emphasized the importance of community participation in managing the IKN.

“So don’t let local people feel displaced. But if possible, if they have to relocate, we will find better places for them,” said Basuki.

Secondly, the President also instructed that investment in the IKN be managed quickly and efficiently. The President reminded the importance of completing the cooperation agreement before carrying out the next groundbreaking.

“So now under the agreement, the investors have started paying the contribution and we put their payment in a temporary account that will not be used by the OIKN. It can’t be used yet,” said Basuki.

With regard to the Authority-Owned Enterprises, Basuki stated that the enterprises will focus on supporting development and creating a lively atmosphere at the IKN. For example, they will build cinemas, theaters, and utilize the already built infrastructure.

“Including, for example, a zoo. It means that the task to build the zoo will be assigned to the Authority-Owned Enterprises. So it’s clearer,” said Basuki.

Meanwhile, Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi, who was also present at the meeting, reported the progress on transportation at the IKN. He stated that the light rail transit has arrived in Balikpapan and will be tried out on August 5, 2024.

The Minister of Transportation also discussed the completion of the IKN airport which is likely to experience delays. However, the President emphasized that any development work at the IKN should not be too forced.

“That’s a good point, which is a relief, because we won’t carry out any construction activity that will fail. We have to be professionally responsible on behalf of the Government for all construction activities,” said Minister Budi Karya Sumadi.

In addition, the Minister of Transportation reported the relocation of the Balikpapan Bay port and collaboration to integrate transportation from Balikpapan to the IKN. Movement monitoring technology is also being prepared to support transportation in the IKN area.

“We are collaborating in building this infrastructure from Balikpapan to here (IKN). We will bear the responsibility, within OIKN. We are also preparing the APMS (Automated People Mover System) or movement monitoring technology at OIKN. God willing, this will also be completed in the near future,” said the President.

Also present with the President at the meeting was Minister of State Secretary Pratikno. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/DNS) (TM/MMB)