"(The construction) has just commenced, and that is only a suggestion from several ministers that in 2024, we must organize the independence anniversary commemoration here," the president noted in a video broadcast by the Presidential Secretariat YouTube channel on Tuesday.
Jokowi accepted the suggestion, yet clarified that he needed to observe the progress in development of the new capital in 2024 before deciding to organize the independence anniversary in Nusantara.
"We will see how the new capital development progresses (in 2024). If the Presidential Palace and several ministerial offices are ready, or if other facilities have been readied, it is possible (to organize the commemoration there). However, let us decide later while the construction progresses," he remarked.
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According to research, development of the national capital Nusantara will take at least 15 to 20 years to be fully completed, the president noted.
To expedite development of the new capital and realize ministers' suggestions, he urged stakeholders of the nation to collaborate and contribute to development of the new capital.
"This is a huge and difficult task, for which collaboration among the central government, regional governments, the private sector, state-owned enterprises, residents, the police and the military, as well as other stakeholders is essential to help us optimize all potentials to expedite the development of the national capital Nusantara," Jokowi affirmed.
Earlier, on Monday (Mar 14), President Jokowi presided over a ceremony to pool water and soil from Indonesia's 34 provinces brought by the respective provincial governors at the new capital Nusantara's kilometre zero as a symbol of common support and commitment to supporting the development of the new capital.
After the ceremony, President Jokowi and First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo spent the night in a camp at the new capital's kilometre zero.
Minister of State-owned Enterprises Erick Thohir, Minister of Investment Bahlil Lahadalia, and Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono accompanied the president during the camping at kilometre zero.
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Translator: Gilang Galiartha, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Suharto
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