President Jokowi Inaugurates Swissotel Nusantara, Breaks Ground on Nusantara Duty-Free Mall

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo delivers his remarks at the Inauguration of the Swissotel Nusantara Hotel and Groundbreaking Ceremony of Nusantara Duty Free Mall in the new capital of Nusantara (IKN), Friday (09/13). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Kris)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Friday (09/13) praised the swift completion of the Swissotel Nusantara which was finished in just nine months and proved Indonesia’s capability in rapid and successful project execution.

“It has been proven that a five-star hotel with 191 rooms can be completed in just nine months; while it’s no easy feat, Indonesia has shown its capability of achieving this,” the President said in his remarks at the Inauguration of the Swissotel Nusantara Hotel and Groundbreaking Ceremony of Nusantara Duty-Free Mall in the new capital of Nusantara (IKN), East Kalimantan province.

According to the President, the Government’s current focus is on generating activity in the IKN by increasing flight operations at Nusantara Airport.

The President also mentioned that fostering such activity will help establish a vibrant city ecosystem in the IKN.

“There will be residents, citizens, hospitals, schools, hotels, and malls. Building all these is not easy and takes time. However, the trust we’ve built is being leveraged by many investors who see the opportunity,” he said.

In addition to the air route, the construction of a toll road to the IKN, expected to be completed by mid-2025, will further increase activity in the Archipelago.

“By connecting Samarinda to Balikpapan and then Balikpapan to the IKN, the new toll road will further energize our capital city. That is the vision,” he added.

On that occasion, the President also presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the Nusantara Mall Duty-Free, which is expected to enhance the vibrancy of IKN.

With the development of various supporting facilities, the President is optimist that the relocation of State Civil Apparatus (ASN) to the IKN can proceed soon.

“With the hospital, school, and mall completed, and the road infrastructure in place, I believe there will be significant activity. We aim to encourage as many of our ASN as possible to move to the IKN as soon as possible,” the President stated.

The President also revealed that the Government is offering open opportunities for investors to invest in the IKN, adding that the IKN Authority has prepared approximately 400 plots of land, which will soon be available for investment.

“For example, the plots are designated for trade, hotels, and offices. Next week, we will open up additional opportunities to attract new investments,” the President remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/DNS) (RIF//LW)