Statement of President Joko Widodo After Inspecting Presidential Palace Area in the Capital City of Nusantara (IKN), Penajam Paser Regency, East Kalimantan Province, July 29, 2024
Yes, we came here to check the latest progress on the construction of Nusantara, especially the palace. The way I see it, everything is still in process because there are thousands of workers here. I do not want to disturb them much so that the progress is not hampered by my arrival. I also spent the night here last night.
Journalist
How was it, Sir? Did you sleep well?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
No. I’m just being honest.
Journalist
Why is that?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Maybe because it was my first tim. It is still not quite comfortable yet.
Journalist
So far, how do you see the progress of the Presidential Palace? What is the progress like?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, everything is still ongoing.. Today I will also have meetings here, in the Presidential Office, but I can’t invite anyone because there are still many people working so they were not disturbed. There is still cleaning, still finishing work, but I think everything is progressing well.
Journalist
Roughly, in percentage terms, how much progress has been made?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Ask Minister of Public Works and Public Housing about the percentages.
Journalist
Sir, the water here is supposed to be potable. Have you tried it yet? According to reports, the tap water should be drinkable directly.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Oh, not yet. I haven’t tried it yet. Let’s see later.
Journalist
But water and electricity are fine, right?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
No problems. Plenty of water. Electricity is okay.
Journalist
How about the internet?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
The internet is good. Everything is good.
Journalist
Last night you also inspected the National Axis with your wife, right?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, yes.
Journalist
How was it, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, it wasn’t the first time I went there. It’s getting better, more beautiful, and more impressive at night.
Journalist
So, are you optimistic about holding a cabinet meeting here later?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We’ll see. Minister of State Secretary will determine the date. I’m not sure yet, whether it will be soon or in August. It depends on the Minister as many ministers are still abroad.
Journalist
Is there an agenda for a limited meeting today or in the near future?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Today, I will have a meeting with IKN Authority (OIKN), the Governor, and the regents around IKN. I invited them for an initial discussion.
Journalist
What about preparations for August 17 ceremony?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
There are no issues. It’s just about cleaning up, but significant work is still needed. Even though it’s just cleaning and final finishing, there is still substantial work to be done.
Journalist
Are you satisfied with the progress of the IKN construction so far?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, so far, it’s good, excellent.
Journalist
Can we say that today you are officially working from here for the first time?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, it’s a soft opening of my office here.
Journalist
Can we take a photo of you at your desk later?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
No, because [if we do that] we still have to go through the workers.
Journalist
How long will you be working from here? Three days? Four days? Five days?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We’ll see how it goes.
Journalist
Is the progress of the palace slower than the office?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Many areas are still being cleaned and finished, and there are still many workers. So, I can’t take you to places where people are working to avoid disturbing them.
Journalist
For August 17 ceremony, will the office be prioritized?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
No, both the office and the palace. There are still thousands of people working there.
Journalist
The construction might disturb local residents due to the large-scale development.
What are your thoughts on this?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, this is still in the construction phase. The conditions here, if it’s not raining, it’s hot and dusty. But check the economic growth in East Kalimantan. The growth in the first quarter this year and the second quarter is quite high, above 7%. This construction brings positive impacts on the surrounding area.
Journalist
Is it possible to provide compensation or more intensive health services to the residents?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Minister of State Secretary will handle that. Any other questions?
Journalist
Previously, the water transmission pipe in IKN leaked during a test. What are your thoughts on that?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Technical issues like that are common in large projects. This is a massive project that can take ten, fifteen, or even twenty years. It’s not just a one or two-year project. We are not rushing. The work is progressing according to the plan and stages. The goal of having the August 17 celebration here is to boost the spirit to complete IKN according to the planned stages.
Journalist
The roads are quite steep. Many guests will be invited on August 17. Will the roads be prioritized for paving?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
It depends on the drivers. The terrain here is very hilly. That’s how it is. Architects actually like this kind of landscape; it’s not monotonous. An architect said that.
(APN/EP)