IKN Development Must Always Be Environment-Oriented: President Jokowi

President Jokowi and Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR), Basuki Hadimuljono observe the construction of IKN’s Toll Road, Wednesday (02/22) at Segment 3B, Ruas KKT Kariangau – Sp. Tempadung, Balikpapan City (Source: BPMI/Setpres/Laily Rachev)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Wednesday (02/22) inspected the progress of the Nusantara Capital (IKN)’s segment 3B toll road at of KKT Kariangau –Tempadung Interchange, Balikpapan city, East Kalimantan province.

In his press statement after the inspection, the President said that everyone had to always consider the environment during the development of the IKN.

“I always remind what is very important on the ground everything related to the environment no matter how small it must be considered since we build the capital with an environmental concept,” he stated.

In addition, President Jokowi said he is not hesitant to give a warning if there are parties who disregard environmental aspects when constructing the capital.

“If there are issues related to the environment that are not being taken into account, I will definitely give a reprimand because the concept is, once again, an environmental concept.” he remarked.

The Head of State also said it will only take half an hour via toll road to reach the Central of IKN from Balikpapan city.

“Yes, this toll road distance from Balikpapan to the Central (IKN) approximately 40 kilometers, traveled approximately 30 minutes to reach Balikpapan (from the IKN). We can see the toll road is underway. We hope it’s the first infrastructure built for the new capital,” he said.

Regarding land acquisition in the IKN areas, the President explained that the Government has already resolved the issue.

“No issue (land acquisition). There was yesterday, but Minister of Public House and Public Housing today informed that the issue is no longer here. We just have to pay attention to that in March, next week,” he said.

The President also ensured that the construction of the IKN will not harm the locals.

“I told the Authority Chairperson Pak Bambang yesterday. There should be no harm to locals by the construction of the IKN,” he stated. (RF/AIT/SND) (AS/EP)