Thousands Flocks New Capital for Nusantara TNI Fun Run

Thousands of residents of Balikpapan, Samarinda, and areas surrounding the new capital and members of a running community, participate in Nusantara TNI Fun Run in Nusantara on Sunday (10/06). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Vico)

Thousands of people from various regions Sunday (10/06) gathered for the Nusantara TNI Fun Run, a race organized by the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), state-owned bank PT Bank Mandiri (Persero), and Nusantara Capital authority.

The race, which features a track that wound through stunning landscapes and showcases modern infrastructure around Nusantara, is more than just a sporting event. It provides both participants and spectators alike with a firsthand opportunity to witness the new capital development.

Many participants, whether first-time visitors to Kalimantan or those who have followed the new capital’s development from its inception, expressed their excitement and satisfaction in participating in the event and witnessing firsthand the significant progress of the new capital.

“It’s fun. I could see the new capital and the current development. I can also breathe fresh air,” Izzi, a participant from Jakarta, said while expressing appreciation for the sidewalk and pointing out that there is still room for improvement.

“This is an interesting experience. This is my first time in Kalimantan. I hope the new capital project goes smoothly. I believe the project can boost growth in Indonesia,” she said.

Momo, another participant from Jakarta who also visited Kalimantan for the first time, voiced optimism about the new capital’s progress and expressed hope that the construction could be completed soon.

“President Jokowi, thank you for making it happen, for creating an extraordinary city for our future,” he said.

Echoing a similar sentiment, Angel, a participant from East Kalimantan provincial capital of Samarinda, said she really enjoyed the clean and fresh air in the new capital.

“The atmosphere here is great. The air feels clean and fresh and the roads are good, so I am pleased. I hope there will be more events,” she said.

On that occasion, Dian Rana, a resident who has been following the new capital development since the start, also expressed her happiness at the organization of such a big event as Nusantara TNI Fun Run.

“I feel a great sense of pride and happiness because this marks the first time a large-scale event has been here, apart from August 17 celebration. It’s extraordinary. The sheer number of participants is overwhelming, and it’s my first time witnessing such a crowd a in Nusantara. Nusantara TNI Fun Run is truly a remarkable event,” she said.

Dian also expressed appreciation to President Jokowi for his contribution to Nusantara Capital development.

“Thank you, Mr. Jokowi, for building Nusantara in East Kalimantan province. As the people of East Kalimantan, we have greatly felt the best impact of the construction,” she remarked.  (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/ABD) (DH/EP)