Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia after Visiting Observation Tower at Presidential Palace Zone, Nusantara Capital, February 23, 2023

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
This is the location of the Presidential Palace, which I am optimistic that next year in August, the independence day ceremony will be held here.

After I spoke to the contractor of the project, seeing from the current development, I am optimistic it will be finished.

Press
The design will be the same as the pictures, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
It will be in accordance with the designs. However, there may be several parts that must adjust to conditions on the ground.

Press
What percentage of progress [has been achieved]?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
As you can see now.

Press
Sir, maybe you can tell what is special about this palace and the difference with the palace in Jakarta, for example, maybe the scenery or so on.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Starting from the design, the development, all by our own.

Press
When the palace be occupied, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Once it is finished.

Press
Before the independence day ceremony?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
It will surely be occupied, so do other ministerial buildings although not all staff are here yet. If the buildings are occupied, there would be a crowd. If there is a crowd, it means we need more facilities such as restaurants, schools from kindergarten, elementary school, junior high school, high school, university, hospitals, clinics, entertainment, malls, and so on.

Press
Sir, from this visit, you can see that if you pitch it to investors like you originally planned in the middle of this year, do you think local or foreign investors will be interested or not, Sir? And how strong is the interest?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We offer a different atmosphere here. This core area is the Government area. Beyond that, people will see a different atmosphere. That’s what we sell (to the investors). Experience, ambience, we sell all that.

Press
Sir, regarding the palace itself, this means the palace for the President and Vice President will be completed soon, right? Which one is that, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

This is the Presidential Palace.

Press

Does this mean that the Presidential Palace is the first building to be completed at this area or is there another building, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Depends, maybe the ministerial buildings will finish first.

Press

When the 16,000 workers will come, Sir? There are 500 or 5,000 workers now, am I correct?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Now 7,800 people.

Press
When the others, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
They will come gradually, step by step, it has already started.

Press
How much is the budget allocation for this palace, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

You can ask Minister of Public Works and Public Housing or the Head of Nusantara Capital Authority.

Press
You always emphasize that next year’s August 17 ceremony will be held here. Can you tell us, Sir, what is the concept that makes it different from Jakarta? Because this is the first time in the new capital. Something has been discussed maybe?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
It’s a surprise.

Press
Sir, regarding the August 17 ceremony, Sir, in 2023 or 2024?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
2024.

Press
Sir, regarding the land acquisition, some of the residents who live in the central government area feel disappointed because the price given is far below the market price. Well, you yourself are committed not to harm local residents. So, what will it be like in the future, are there any improvements?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, yesterday afternoon I discussed it, that people should not be harmed. Therefore, there are several options that will be offered later, either compensation, profit compensation, or also relocation, to be given a land elsewhere. I think there are several options and choices so that people should not feel disadvantaged.

Press
One more thing, Sir, about the Governor of central bank BI?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We have sent the name to the House, Mr. Perry Warjiyo.

Press
Based on what consideration, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
In a global crisis like this we don’t want to take risks. Fiscal, monetary become very, very important. And we have to place people who have great experience.

Press
Thank you.

(EST/MMB)