It must have a strong attraction, so this capital city will be really a new Indonesia and new civilization.
Jakarta (ANTARA) -
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) believes that relocation of the capital also translates to a change in the mindset and work culture.

"Our big idea is that we will not only move to another place but also change the mindset and working culture. Everything has to move. People must follow the systems and that what we are building," the president stated during a discussion on "Prosperous and connected thanks to infrastructure," here on Thursday.

Jokowi highlighted the need for the planned new capital city to be based on a structured concept, thereby mirroring a new Indonesia and new civilization.

"It must have a strong attraction, so this capital city will really be a new Indonesia and new civilization," he stated.

The future capital city must have a cluster system for every service to support the creation of a quality city, with world-class standard, he stated.

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He also spoke of his intention to build a quality university to be ranked among the world's top 50.

He expressed optimism that Indonesia would become a major country and be regarded as one of the world's top five economies.

The next capital city must be green and of zero emission, so pedestrians must be prioritized.

Facilities for bikers and emission-free means of public transportation must be in place.

Currently, 755 people are participating in the contest for a new capital city design, he noted.

"Several people are participating in the design contest. I have told them the main idea. We want the capital city to be a compact city, with a good system and zero emission," he remarked.

The government had announced that parts of North Penajam Paser and Kutai Kertanegara districts in East Kalimantan Province will be the location for the country’s new capital expected to be inaugurated in 2024, the year when Jokowi’s second term will end.

President Jokowi told the media on August 26, 2019, that the two districts were selected since they faced the least risks from natural disasters, including floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, forest fires, and landslides.

Moreover, they are strategically located in the heart of Indonesia and near Balikpapan and Samarinda that are developed cities. Hence, basic infrastructure and facilities already exist. Moreover, the government owns 180 thousand hectares of land there.

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Translator: Zubi Mahrofi, Fardah
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2019