Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia During Inspection of Ministries’ Landed Houses Project in Nusantara Capital Area, in North Penajam Paser Regency East Kalimantan Province February 23, 2023
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We are here in the area of [future] ministers’ houses. There will be 36 houses, buildings. We hope the project can be completed by June 2024 since we have the target to hold the flag-hoisting ceremony on August 17th, 2024, in the Nusantara Capital.
Reporter
How is progress that the workers have made?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
As you may notice, we are now witnessing the progress. However, in term of percentage, it’s close to 14 percent. Nevertheless, the construction has begun.
Reporter
Have all budget allocated for the houses already disbursed, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yeah. There’s no problem.
The construction has begun. Once again, I hope it can be completed by June [next year]. I want to show an optimistic stance. The development of the IKN has begun. It includes infrastructure, offices, and ministries’ houses. So, if anyone has any doubt about it, the development is under way.
Indeed, the project cannot be completed in two or five years. It may be done in the next 10-15 years.
Development of any other cities in the world is also being completed within a certain period of time that I have mentioned earlier.
Reporter
How about the workers?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
To date, the project employs 7,800 workers, 34 percent of whom are locals.
Reporter
How about housing for other Government institutions’ [officials]?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We will build it. The construction of apartment complex is also projected to start in June.
Reporter
Is there any obstacle?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
No. Alhamdulillah, thank God, there’s no problem.
Reporter
How many houses will be built for the ministers?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
36.
Reporter
Where will the Government hold the ceremony?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
In front of the palace.
Reporter
Thank you, Mr. President.
Reporter
When will ministers work from here?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Once the construction is completed, we will relocate them one by one. Minister of Public Works and Public Housing has told me that Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing will be relocated first. (RAS/EP)