Remarks of the President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Groundbreaking of the Nusantara Sustainability Hub, June 5, 2024

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Good morning,

May peace be upon us.

Distinguished Ministers, Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Nusantara Capital Authority, Governor of East Kalimantan Province, Regent of North Penajam Paser, Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces,

President Director of PT Pertamina, President Director of PT Bakrie & Brothers,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Since most of us here are from Jakarta, and I would like to tell you that when you arrived in Balikpapan then continued to the Nusantara Capital (IKN), it took more than two hours; it seems so far to get here. However, if you come here again at the beginning of August, you can use toll road from Balikpapan to the IKN that will take 30 minutes if you are driving fast or 40 minutes if you are not driving fast. Also, at the beginning of August, the Nusantara Airport’s construction will finish and your aircraft will land on Nusantara Airport. It will take only 15 minutes from the airport to the IKN. Everything here will change.

I have visited the IKN more than ten times. Although I had to take a detour route, I think it is so close. However, if you come here for the first or second time, you may think it is far to arrive in the IKN. I will take some people to come here at the beginning of August or you can come here to celebrate the commemoration of Indonesia’s Independence Day on August 17.

Second, I want to compare IKN and Jakarta. Earlier in the morning, I checked the air quality index in Jakarta was 176. In fact, the standard of good air quality index is 0-50. Singapore was 44. Melbourne was 38, Paris was 38. What about the air quality in the IKN? No information yet. However, I am confident that the air quality index must be under 30. It is my feeling. Then, I checked the air quality in the city of North Penajam Paser was 34. It should be under 20 here. Ibu Nicke, would you please check it if you have the device.

Third, I see big investors here and I would like to tell you that investing in the IKN secures future prospect because we will develop economic transformation, green economy, and green energy. I haven’t got information when combustion cars will stop operating in the IKN. Let Head of the IKN Authority decide the schedule. Therefore, electric vehicles will be the only transportation in the IKN. Then, we really expect that the air quality in IKN is right below 20.

I highly appreciate the construction of the Nusantara Sustainability Hub that involves PT Pertamina, PT Bakrie & Brothers, and other companies. In the future, this construction will attract other companies and universities to collaborate to create a showcase of our nation’s research as well as to develop new economies, particularly green economy in our country.

By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, today I hereby officially commence the groundbreaking of the Nusantara Sustainability Hub.

Thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

(GA/MMB)