Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia after Inspecting the Venue for the 79th Indonesian Independence Day Ceremony in the Nusantara Capital (IKN) Area, North Penajam Paser Regency, East Kalimantan Province, June 5, 2024

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, last night I stayed at the minister’s house, the official residence of the Minister of Public Works and Public Housing. The view there in the morning was very beautiful, yesterday the sunset was very beautiful, and yes, that’s the feel I have to tell you. I slept very well.

Secondly, preparations for the Independence Day Ceremony are almost final. There are no problems on the field. We have just checked everything one by one, from the venue to the arrangements for the ceremony. Everything is well prepared. The construction here will be completed around mid-July and the preparations for the ceremony on August 17 will soon begin.

Journalists

So, what percentage of development has been completed in the phase one, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Eighty percent. So, we also pay attention to the interior and the exterior. Everything is in process and God willing, it will be completed.

Journalists

After seeing the office, are you optimistic that you will have your office at IKN?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

I’m very optimistic about the office. We are still waiting for one thing, namely water.

Journalists

When is the water expected to run?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

It’s expected to run in July. With regard to water, yesterday we already inaugurated the Sepaku Semoi Dam. We just have to wait for the completion of the pump which will lift water and then channel it to buildings and houses in the Nusantara Capital. That’s all.

Journalists

Sir, for today’s and yesterday’s groundbreaking, one of the focuses was on education, right?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, the development here will be completed through stages. At the first stage, the focus is on government buildings, then the finance sector, then sports facilities. Within these two days, the focus is mostly on the education sector, covering elementary schools, junior and senior high schools, and universities. In my opinion, everything works. We hope everything goes well.

Journalists

With regard to Head of the IKN Authority and Deputy Head of the IKN Authority who resigned yesterday, what actually was their reason?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Ask Mr. Bambang and Mr. Dhony (the Head and the Deputy Head of the IKN Authority) because their reason is personal. And, later we will also give Mr. Bambang Susantono a new assignment as a special envoy for international cooperation in order to accelerate IKN development. Because we must make maximum use of his international experience for the good of our country.

Journalists

Aren’t you worried that there will be an impact on foreign investors?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

No, no, it’s just …..

Journalists

So, there’s no problem, right, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

No problem.

Journalists

Will Mr. Dhony be assigned as an envoy too?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

We have not yet decided anything for Mr. Dhony.

Journalists

What does the presidential decree on the transfer of the capital to the Nusantara Capital look like, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

It has not been decided yet. I will probably sign it later, but the president-elect of the new government will probably sign it too.

Journalists

About another issue, sir, what about the plan to allow mass organizations to obtain mining management permits?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

The permits can be granted, once again, to business entities within the mass organizations. The requirements are also very strict, whether the permits will be granted to cooperatives within the mass organizations or limited companies and others. So, the permits will be granted to the business entities, not to the mass organizations.

Journalists

Thank you, sir.

(TM/MMB)