"The government will develop a smart-metropolis city. I can imagine there will be a governmental cluster, technology and innovation cluster quite akin to the one in Silicon Valley, education cluster that will include the best universities, as well as health services and tourism clusters," President Widodo remarked after the official opening of the 2019 Indonesian Construction at JI Expo Kemayoran Jakarta, Wednesday.
The head of state expressed belief that such a concept can cater to the citizens' quality of life and make them more dynamic. He is also confident that it can offer affordable prices and boost the happiness index of the city's diverse residents.
However, he also emphasized that the capital city is not merely a center for the government but also for businesses. It aims to be free of emissions and employ top-quality human resources.
"Google global talent will be there. Our diaspora will come home and attract world-class talent to come and live here. This will happen if the city provides quality job fields," he explained.
Jokowi stated that the future capital city will also be built with world-class atmosphere and services.
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"At least, it will offer world-class health and education services. At the moment, I am seeking your help (to give inputs on) how our ideal capital city will be like. A city that is environmentally friendly and ushers in happiness. A city that is compact and underlines humanity topped with complete and quality public services," Jokowi remarked while addressing the event participants.
The Indonesian leader aimed to build a city that can set an example of one that can respond to various issues in the world.
"This city is Indonesia's gift to the world. We have to dream big," he stated.
The government has established Penajam Paser Utara and Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalimantan, as the location of the new capital city.
The National Development Planning Agency estimated that the relocation of the capital city requires funding of Rp466 trillion for the development of infrastructure and human resources.
The new capital development master plan is targeted to be completed by the end of 2020. Meanwhile, for the physical construction, the government has targeted its completion in 2024.
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Translator: Hanni Sofia/Aria Cindyara
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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