Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia after Inspection of the Progress of the Construction of the IKN Toll Road, Penajam Paser Regency, East Kalimantan Province, July 28, 2024

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, the easiest way to try out a road is by riding motorbikes on it. If there is a little bump in the road, you will immediately feel it. And earlier I’ve asked all of these gentlemen to ride motorbikes, to try out the toll road heading to the IKN (Nusantara Capital). Even though the road is not completed yet, thank God, our ride on the road is smooth and easy.

Journalists
Sir, what about the definitive head of the IKN Authority?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We are still in the process of searching for the head.

Journalists
How is the progress of the toll road, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Well, it’s good, at least there are examples from our previous experiences even though it’s not completed yet. There’s still one more layer on top to be completed, then the road will look smooth later. But most importantly, I’ve instructed the Minister of Public Works and Public Housing to make all along both sides of the road super green.

Journalists

How are you preparing to start working tomorrow at your new office at the IKN?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, I want to see it. I was told that the water supply is ready, the electricity is ready, the room is ready, and the bed is also ready. So, I can sleep there, at last.

Journalists
So, the furniture is ready there, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Some of the furniture are ready. The furniture is already there. Yes, I will spend the night at the palace later.

Journalists
Will you hold a limited meeting tomorrow, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
The meeting will be held when all ministers are already in Indonesia. Because many of them are still in Paris.

Journalists
According to the plan, when will the first cabinet meeting held?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Well, I am still waiting for the ministers who are now abroad [to return home] so that all of them will manage to be present at the IKN.

Journalists
Sir, what about foreign investment in the IKN?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
There are already many investment commitments, around 300, but we are still waiting for the regulations related to the IKN Authority. If the regulations are already completed, we will start receiving the letter of intent and letter of interest. The investors who have been registered at the IKN will be invited again to see [the progress]. And we can already see the changes and the speed [of the progress].

Journalists
Will it be sped up after the celebration of the Republic of Indonesia's Independence Day?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, we will summon the investors again later, and the signing of all the cooperation agreements is already done.

(TM/MMB)