President Jokowi Lauds Melayu-Banjar Community for IKN Supports

President Jokowi attends a mass prayer organized by Rabithah Melayu-Banjar, Friday (03/17), at Tabalong Bersinar Pendopo Complex, Tabalong regency, South Kalimantan province. (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Laily Rachev)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo expressed his appreciation for the support given by the Malay-Banjar community on the development of the Nusantara Capital (IKN) in East Kalimantan province.

“I hope that the Malay-Banjar community will become the host of their own land, play an active role, and become an important part of the history of the establishment of the Nusantara Capital,” the President stated at a mass prayer organized by Rabithah Melayu-Banjar (organization of Melayu Banjar ethnic group), Friday (03/17), at Tabalong Bersinar Pendopo Complex, Tabalong regency, South Kalimantan province.

The President said that the relocation of the Capital is a part of efforts to realize Indonesia-centric development while at the same time stimulating economic equality.

“This serves to realize social justice for all Indonesian people,” he added.

In addition, the President said that the development of the Capital is not only about relocating to new buildings but also about fostering new ways of working and mindsets in serving the communities and competing with other countries in human resources (HR).

“These young people must be willing to change, willing to work hard because all of you will compete with human resources from other countries,” the President said.

The Head of State also invited all people to jointly pray and make efforts in realizing the development of IKN as a gateway to accelerate the development in Kalimantan island.

“I would also like to ask for the blessing of Allah, God Almighty, to always guide and protect our steps, and to the Islamic scholars, masters, and teachers, the kiais, and all the Malay-Banjar people, please pray for this nation,” he conclusively remarked. (JW/UN) (FI/HD)