IKN Construction Progress Reaches 26 Percent, Minister Says

Head of the Bappenas Suharso Monoarfa gives a press statement after attending a limited meeting, Wednesday (12/04/2023), in Jakarta. (Photo by: PR of Cabinet Secretariat/Rahmat)

The progress on the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) development has increased significantly by 26 percent since President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s last visit in February, according to Minister of National Development Planning/Head of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) Suharso Monoarfa.

“The progress now amounts to 26 percent, much better than that of the previous progress at 15 percent when the President paid a visit. We hope there will be an acceleration of construction,” the Minister said, at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (04/12).

On that occasion, the Minister revealed that the development projects include the construction of basic infrastructure such as clean drinking water, sanitation, roads, government buildings, and housing.

“The development also includes the provision of clean water access and reservoir construction that will serve immediately,” he said.

In addition, Suharso also underscored that the Government opens up opportunities for the private sector to be involved in the IKN development through a cooperation scheme between the Government and business entities.

“The IKN is not only built by the Government. Thus, we are open to the involvement of the private sector and foreign private companies to take part in the government-to-business cooperation (KPBU) scheme,” the Minister said.

In the meantime, Deputy Head of the IKN Authority Dhony Rahajoe said that a number of domestic and foreign investors have shown interest to participate in the IKN construction.

“Many domestic and foreign investors are attracted to the KPBU scheme. The Nusantara consortium has also met with local investors and foreign investors from China and Korea,” Dhony said.

Apart from government and residential buildings, Dhony said that educational facilities and health facilities would also be built at the IKN.

“As directed by the President, we will also provide assistance to speed up the construction of private and public schools in order to accelerate the construction of leading schools in the IKN,” he said.

In the health sector, the President underlined that the IKN should build international-scale health facilities.

“There are a number of hospitals that show interest. We will announce them soon. Hopefully, we already have the name of hospitals with international standard of service in May as directed by the President,” he said. (TGH/FID/UN) (RIF/MMB)