"Japan's keenness was quite apparent from our meetings with our dialog partners during our recent visit to the country. They were eager to get information on this year's parliamentary and presidential elections and the capital’s relocation," Michael Jeno told ANTARA after being contacted here on Friday.
"Our Japanese dialog partners are keen to gain insightful information on those two issues," he remarked, adding that the government's decision to move the country's capital city to the Island of Kalimantan had obviously drawn global attention.
According to Jeno, Japan's inclination to know about the capital’s relocation was comprehensible by taking in account the country's crucial position as one of Indonesia's strategic economic partners and investors.
The Indonesian government's decision can affect the investment climate and potentially offer business opportunities, he stated.
In connection with this capital relocation issue, President Joko Widodo has yet to announce its definitive location, as he still awaits the completion of all comprehensive studies on its relocation.
"The definitive location will be announced if the comprehensive studies on it are completed," he informed journalists on the sidelines of his visit to the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout's MRT Station in Central Jakarta on Thursday.
Jokowi had corroborated that Indonesia's capital city will be relocated to Kalimantan Island.
Related news: New capital's location only after comprehensive studies: Jokowi
National Development Planning Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro also desisted from divulging details on the province that will become the nation’s new capital.
In May this year, President Jokowi had visited the Soeharto Hill area of Kutai Kartanegara District in East Kalimantan Province and Gunung Mas District area of Central Kalimantan Province.
The National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) has pegged the total cost to move the state capital to reach nearly Rp466 trillion.
"Of the total cost of Rp466 trillion, the required state budget is only some Rp30.6 trillion," Brodjonegoro had remarked on June 15, 2019.
Related news: Development plan includes relocation of state capital
Related news: S Kalimantan prepares 300,000 hectares for possible capital city
Translator: Kasriadi, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
