President-elect Prabowo Expresses Optimism for Nusantara Capital City Development

East Kalimantan, The Gulf Observer: President-elect Prabowo Subianto has expressed his confidence that the development of Nusantara Capital City (IKN) in East Kalimantan will progress efficiently, with the goal of establishing it as the nation’s capital city within the next three years.

During his visit to IKN on Monday, Prabowo acknowledged the complexity and challenges involved in building a new capital city. “We are aware that building a capital city is not a short job; it is a long and hard job, but I believe that in three, four, five years, it can function well as the capital city,” he stated.

Prabowo affirmed his commitment to advancing the IKN project, which was initiated by President Joko Widodo. He emphasized his determination to see the project through to completion, acknowledging the historical significance of Jokowi’s role in starting the endeavor. “I have said many times, I am determined to continue, if possible, completing it. I think Mr. Jokowi has taken on a historical role; he initiated it; at least I will continue it; if possible, I’ll join in completing it,” Prabowo remarked.

Although Prabowo does not have a technical background, he is confident that his extensive experience in various development projects across Indonesia equips him to oversee the successful completion of IKN. “I am not a technical person, but I am empirical; I am also a field person. I also build a lot,” he said.

In addition to his commitment to continuing the development of IKN, Prabowo revealed his personal investment in the project, underlining his direct involvement as both a leader and an investor. As the current Minister of Defense, Prabowo expressed optimism about meeting public expectations regarding the benefits of relocating the nation’s capital from Jakarta to IKN. “If we look at it, I’m optimistic, and later, we will see how beneficial this relocation is, although, of course, there is still a lot that we have to do,” he commented.

When asked whether he intends to work in IKN once it becomes the capital, Prabowo affirmed that a president must reside in the capital city.

The IKN development blueprint, outlined in Presidential Decree Number 63 of 2022, divides the project into three major work streams: urban development, infrastructure development, and economic development. According to Danis Sumadilaga, Head of the IKN Infrastructure Development Implementation Task Force, the full completion of all phases of the project is estimated to take two decades.

Sumadilaga added that the focus of the next two years, up until July 2024, will be on establishing essential infrastructure, including water supply, roads, sanitation, waste management, and government offices.