Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Groundbreaking of Nusantara International Convention Center and Hotel, Nusantara Capital (IKN), North Penajam Paser Regency, East Kalimantan Province, August 12, 2024

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim

Assalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

Good afternoon,

May prosperity be upon us all.

Distinguished Ministers of the Onward Indonesia Cabinet, Commander of the Indonesian Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), Head of the Nusantara Capital Authority and Deputy Head of the Nusantara Capital Authority, Governor of East Kalimantan province, Regent of North Penajam Paser regency, Curator of the Nusantara Capital Mr. Ridwan Kamil,

Distinguished President Director of PT Royal Golden Eagle (RGE) Mr. Bernard Richard, President Commissioner of PT RGE Indonesia Mr. Ersan Syarif,

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

In commemoration of the 79th Anniversary of Indonesian Independence, there will be a ceremony in the Nusantara Capital. Initially, eight thousand people were invited. After calculating all aspects, it turned out that the hotel was not enough, the accommodation was not enough, and the food supplies also faced difficulties due to the ecosystem that has not been well-established here. The quota was cut from eight thousand to four thousand. Four thousand. After recalculating the operational aspect, it turned out that the hotel, accommodation, and provision of consumption food supplies still faced difficulties. Finally, the quota was cut again from four thousand to two thousand. Even with two thousand, the operational resources are still not enough yet.

Finally, we made a decision that 1,300 guests will be invited to the State Palace to attend the 79th Anniversary of the Indonesian Independence ceremony. Plus, around thousands of local communities who do not need hotels, accommodation, and other needs.

Thus, this afternoon, I am happy that the groundbreaking of the Nusantara International Convention Center and Hotel will be held. This will add to the facilities if the ceremony in the next year invites eight thousand attendees. And at that time, I will be one of the invitees. However, I am sure that the hotel is still not enough for eight thousand people. Perhaps, it will just increase to two thousand.

So, I really had no idea that the Nusantara Capital has a great magnet to attract people. Anyone I met would ask, “Sir, may I ask for the invitation?” “What invitation?” “The 79th Independence Day ceremony in IKN”. Again and again, it was what people asked. Even though I never brought an invitation. The one who arranges it all is the Ministry of State Secretariat that always calculates in detail where to stay, the meals, accommodation, transportation from Balikpapan, everything is calculated. Do not let anything be missed. It will cause a commotion on the field.

Fortunately, we have Minister of State Secretary and Cabinet Secretary who both helped accurately calculate them all. Let’s see on Saturday, whether will it be well-organized or any complaints regarding the hotel, accommodation, meals, etc.

Once again, I really appreciate the establishment of this convention center and hotel. Also, I asked when exactly the groundbreaking will be finished, Mr. Bernard Richard, along with Mr. Ersan, whispered to me, “Twenty-four months, Sir. But, perhaps, it can be accelerated, Sir”. That means that it will be finished on the next Independence Day. That also means it is still not enough to accommodate people who will attend the upcoming 80th Independence Day ceremony.

That concludes my remaks. By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, the Groundbreaking of Nusantara International Convention Center and Hotel has now officially started.

Thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.

(AW/MUR)