Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia at Nusantara TNI Fun Run in Nusantara Capital, East Kalimantan Province, October 6, 2024
Reporter
You said earlier that you could no longer make strategic decisions. Regarding Nusantara Capital, will you also be unable to issue the Presidential Decree? Will Mr. Prabowo be the one issuing it?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Once again, relocating the national capital is not only a matter of moving it. We must build the ecosystem, and it must be established. Therefore, if we move, the hospital must be ready because it is needed. Education for children must be ready, meaning that schools are also needed, from kindergartens, elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, vocational schools, to universities.
We also need crowds, restaurants, and stores. Then there is an issue with logistics. When we look for something, when we look for something to buy, everything must be ready. Now, if the apartments are ready but the offices are not, what can be done?
Reporter
So Mr. Prabowo will issue the decree, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes. The new president, Mr. Prabowo, should do it.
Reporter
Sir, when will the candidate names for the Corruption Eradication Commission leader and the Supervisory Board members be sent to the House of Representatives? Are the names ready now?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We are waiting for the [Ministry of] State Secretariat to finish the administration. Once it is completed, I will sign it.
Reporter
Sir, deflation has been occurring for five months in a row.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
First, please check thoroughly about deflation, whether it is because prices of goods dropped, because the supplies are good, because the distribution is good, because there is no problem with the transportation, or because the people’s purchasing power decreased. Nevertheless, both deflation and inflation must be controlled so prices remain stable and producers—including farmers, fishers, MSMEs, and manufacturers—are not disadvantaged. They should also be kept in check so that consumers can avoid price hikes. They must remain under control and balanced. As of now, the year-on-year inflation rate is 1.8 [percent]. It is good, but it must not be too low so producers are not disadvantaged, so farmers who produce crops are not disadvantaged. Maintaining balance is difficult, but we will keep striving to do it.
Reporter
Sir, what about your comment on the Fun Run event?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
In Nusantara, crowds must be created so, once again, the ecosystem is established. For example, when I came here several weeks ago, there was no café, but now Excelso is here. Next, Sederhana Restaurant will be here. Everything will. Once again, relocating the capital takes time.
Even moving out is complicated. We are relocating the national capital. We must not rush it if it is not ready. It will not end well. I suppose this is normal, natural. Once the ecosystem is established—once hospitals, schools, logistics, and everything is available, we can begin the relocation little by little. Only then can we move so that everyone feels comfortable here.
Reporter
Sir, are you participating in National Paralympic Week (Peparnas)?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, yes, yes. After this, I will fly to Solo to open Peparnas.
Reporter
Sir, Mr. Suharso said there would be another groundbreaking ceremony this week. Can you confirm it?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Well, it is up to Head of the Nusantara Capital Authority. If there is, I will come.
Reporter
Who made the investment, foreign or domestic investors, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Ask Head of the Nusantara Capital Authority.
(DH/EP)