"We will first develop the basic infrastructure before proceeding to develop public utilities such as water, electricity, and other facilities," the Monoarfa, who is also head of the National Development Planning Agency, said in an official statement received in Jakarta on Thursday.
The construction of Sepaku Semoi Dam, constructed by damming Tengin River to ensure water supply for the future national capital and the neighboring city of Balikpapan, was part of the earlier phase of basic infrastructure development for the new capital, he said.
The government will also construct the road network, public facilities, and other basic needs in the first phase of the new capital development that is expected to be completed by 2024, the minister informed.
The government will also construct the Presidential Palace, the Parliament Complex, and the Supreme Court Building, the primary buildings that represent Indonesia's three political branches, in the first phase of the capital development, he added.
"We are optimistic (of prompt completion of construction) because we are currently resolving logistics issues that are rapidly progressing," Monoarfa said.
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The new national capital will be divided into three development rings, with the 6,671-hectare central government district forming the core of Nusantara city, he added.
The second ring will comprise the 56,180-hectare capital region, and 199,962 hectares of land outside the second ring will be the spare area for the next stage of capital development, he said.
The new capital city will be carved out of territories in North Penajam Paser and Kurai Kartanegara districts in East Kalimantan, the minister said.
Monoarfa explained that the construction of the new capital will proceed in accordance with eight main principles of development, including land condition, respect for unity in diversity, and interconnectivity and accessibility.
The other principles are low carbon emission-based development, circular and resilient development, secure and affordable development, technology-assisted efficiency, and equal economic opportunity for all, he said.
"I believe locals will have a great input or contribution to the new capital, either by participating in the construction or the development or taking job opportunities there—all will be open to them," Monoarfa stated.
He affirmed that the government will continue monitoring the new capital's development, as has been exemplified by the recent visit of Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono and Deputy Minister of Finance, Suahasil Nazara, to the location designated for the new capital.
Hadimuljono and Nazara, as well as leaders of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR RI), visited ground zero of the new capital and land plots assigned for the new presidential palace and the parliament complex during the visit, the minister added.
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Translator: Astrid Faidlatul, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Suharto
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