Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia Following Inspection of Training Center of Indonesian Football Association in Nusantara Capital, North Penajam Paser Regency, East Kalimantan Province, August 13, 2024

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

We want to provide green mass transportation in Nusantara . The ART/autonomous rail rapid transit is electric. We hope it can operate there. It is not only cheap but also green.

Reporter

Can it be in operation on August 17?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

It was used already. If we use the ART, the road must be wide. Roads in Nusantara are designed to be wide, so it will fit. In my view, other cities in Indonesia require green mass transportation. Cities such as Surabaya, Makassar, Medan, and Bandung need this kind of mass transportation. The price is around Rp70 billion per unit. Around Rp70 billion. If we build MRT, it costs Rp2.3 trillion per kilometer. If we build LRT, it costs about Rp700 billion per kilometer. That is the price difference. It is not rail-based so it is cheaper. There is no need to build the infrastructure. It uses the existing roads. The problem is that roads in most cities are not wide enough. That is the issue. Thus, not all roads can use ART.

Reporter

Which team will use the training center? It seems like the fields are ready. Will they be used by the national team?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yesterday, I asked Chairperson of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI). It will be used in September because 2.5 fields are ready: synthetic field, real grass, and the half field is meant for technical matters. In my opinion, 2.5 fields are more than enough even though the plan is to have eight fields. PSSI, FIFA, and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) contributed to building these. It is good.

Reporter

So they are ready to be used by the national team?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

They will be in September. Accommodation facilities are also ready.

Reporter

Regarding Golkar Party, as your supporting party, has the resignation of Mr. Airlangga been discussed with you?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

That is the party’s internal affair. Parties have processes and mechanisms. Please ask Golkar Party and Mr. Airlangga. There is a Golkar member here, Mr. Dito. Do ask him. I do not interfere with a party’s internal affairs.

Reporter

People associate you and assume that you urged Mr. Airlangga to step down, that you intervened. What is your response?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

No comment.

Reporter

Some people in Nusantara are still facing water, noise, and pollution issues. How can Nusantara construction be inclusive and involve local communities?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

We always invite the public for a discussion and to participate in every development. However, in constructions, there will always be noise.

Reporter

What about the reshuffle issue?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

There will be one if necessary. I have always said that it is done if necessary. I still have that prerogative.

Reporter

What about the Olympics bonus, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

There will certainly be bonuses for gold medalists and the bronze medalist.

Reporter

Have you decided the amount, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

For the gold, it was Rp5.5 billion, wasn’t it? This time, it’s Rp6 billion.

Reporter

Regarding Coordinating Minister Airlangga, will his position remain secure after stepping down from his position as Chairperson of the Golkar Party?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Under the Indonesia Onward Cabinet, there will be no problem.

(DH/EP)