Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia After Inspection of Construction Site, in Nusantara Capital (IKN), North Penajam Paser Regency, East Kalimantan Province, November 1, 2023

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Well, we received many potential investors, especially domestic investors. The previous groundbreaking was worth Rp23 trillion. Today, it stands at around Rp12 trillion, and by December, the total value is expected to reach Rp45 trillion. That was quite fast. We have also initiated the construction of several facilities that the community and residents of IKN aspire, including three hospitals and the existing schools. Regarding the hotel infrastructure, I am unsure about the exact number of existing hotels. Is it two, three, maybe four or five? How many? There are four. There are also two malls. The progress is remarkably fast. I hope Chairperson of the IKN Authority can respond swiftly as well as the private sector is urging for prompt action.

Journalist
What is the total investment value that has been secured for the development of IKN, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
As I said earlier that it will reach Rp45 trillion by December.

Journalist
What about forthcoming investments from other countries, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Well, we are currently putting the brakes on that to prioritize domestic investors. However, as the development progresses to larger zones, such as financial center, we could open the door to international investment. Perhaps in the health zone, international hospitals could be considered under our current Health Law. Similarly, in education, we could welcome universities with excellent global quality into existing educational areas. And, we are collaborating with the Tony Blaire Institute on matters related to educational investment in Nusantara Capital.

Journalist
Sir, we noticed that Ridwan Kamil accompanied you today. Is there any specific purpose behind his presence?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Mr. RK is a renowned architect with notable designs, particularly for his works on mosques in West Java and Padang and other significant monumental buildings. We just wanted to invite him to check for any minor weaknesses in the construction, especially concerning the infrastructures in IKN.

Journalist
Is there any input for that matter, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
A lot. He reported directly to Mr. Basuki and me. Where is Mr. Ridwan Kamil?

Journalist
Sir, as you conveyed earlier, five more elementary schools will be renovated here. Which schools are they?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
In addition to SD 020 state elementary school in Sepaku District, there are five more schools currently under renovation by Ministry of Public Works. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of education by upgrading and improving the infrastructure, ultimately leading to an overall improvement in educational quality.

Journalist
Are the renovations for all elementary schools?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We are focusing on this one first, SD 020 state elementary school.

Journalist
Sir, IKN is a long-term project towards 2045, how can you be sure…?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I foresee the IKN development reaching completion within the next 15 to 20 years, a timeline that aligns with typical country development projects. Furthermore, as the private sector becomes more engaged in this initiative, ongoing progress can be expected. The forthcoming completion of the Balikpapan-Nusantara toll road and the Nusantara Airport will accelerate the investment process in IKN.

Journalist
Thank you, Sir.

(RIF/MUR)