President Jokowi: Nusantara Must Be Fully Prepared for Capital Relocation Decree to be Signed

President Jokowi delivers a press statement after opening the Indonesia International Geothermal Convention and Exhibition (IIGCE) 2024 at JCC Senayan, Jakarta (09/18). (Photo by: Oji/PR)

The new capital Nusantara must be fully ready for the Presidential Decree on relocation of the capital from Jakarta to Nusantara to be signed, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has said.

“Everything in Nusantara must be completely ready. Signing [Presidential Decree] is easy; it only takes a second. But the readiness of Nusantara itself is crucial,” the President said after opening the Indonesia International Geothermal Convention and Exhibition (IIGCE) 2024 in Jakarta, Wednesday (09/18).

The President went on to say that once the Decree is signed, all city indicators must be in place, including infrastructure, electricity, water supply, residential and office facilities, and other supporting systems.

“If the Decree is already signed, it means that everything is ready. It’s not just about buildings; furniture, electricity, and human resources, but the whole system must be ready. This is not just a simple relocation; it is a capital relocation, so everything must be well calculated,” he emphasized.

He also stressed that the signer of the decree could be him or President-elect Prabowo Subianto.

“It could be me or the next President who will sign the Decree. The most important thing is that the city must be truly ready, and the ecosystem must be established. If that is set, other supporting elements like logistics, schools for children, and hospitals also need to be ready. It’s not just about moving people; it’s a comprehensive preparation,” the President remarked. (ECH/ABD) (EST/MUR)