Gov’t to Build Nursery for Environmental Protection, Preservation in New Capital City

President Jokowi accompanied by a number of Government high-ranking officials reviews the newly-inaugurated toll road connecting Balikpapan and Samarinda, at the Samboja Toll Gate, Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, Tuesday (17/12).
(Photo by: Agung/PR)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo ensured that the development of the new capital—located either in North Penajam Paser Regency or Kutai Kartanegara Regency—will not harm the environment, but improve it.

“Therefore, during the first phase of the development, we will build 100 hectares of nursery where millions of plants and trees are grown,” President Jokowi told reporters after inaugurating Balikpapan-Samarinda Section II, III, and IV, at the Samboja Toll Gate, Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, Tuesday (17/12).

The Government, he added, seeks environmental improvement in the new capital city’s surrounding areas.

In the previous occasion, President Jokowi told prominent figures of East Kalimantan Province that the new capital city covers 193,000 hectares of land. Nevertheless, East Kalimantan Governor Isran Noor said that his side will prepare 410,000 hectares for long-term development.

In the meeting with East Kalimantan prominent figures, President Jokowi asked for their green light as the Government will develop Kutai Kartanegara and North Penajam Paser following the capital relocation plan.

“They welcomed the Government, and allowed us to start the development immediately,” the President stated.

According to the Head of State, the meeting also resulted in a recommendation for the upcoming development namely, establishing universities. “That is also a part of our plan, so we see no problem in approving the recommendation,” he said. (UN/MAY/AGG/ES)

Translated by: Rany Anjany Subachrum
Reviewed by: Lulu Wuliarti