"The people will closely watch President Joko Widodo's vision with regard to the choice of the new capital city. Everywhere you go these days, overseas, they always ask about it," he stated during a dialog event in Jakarta, Wednesday.
The minister drew attention to his work visit to the United States two weeks ago during which he had separately met with Senior Adviser to the US President Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump.
Pandjaitan stated that both were impressed with President Jokowi's concept of the new capital city. He also stated that the matter will be discussed between President Trump and President Jokowi during their upcoming meeting in March.
The retired military general expounded that a hydro-powered power plant will be built some 300 kilometers from the new capital city’s location, which will then supply clean energy to the city.
"We can claim that as a green product," he stated.
In a bid to support the green and smart city concept, the government will formulate regulations that would only allow electronic vehicles into the new capital city.
The government will prepare electric-based public transportation for people, who do not use electric vehicles themselves.
The policy is in accordance with public transportation design proposals that are encouraged to use electric vehicles and then become autonomous vehicles after 2024.
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Translator: Ade Irma Junida/Aria Cindyara
Editor: Suharto
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