"We have started mapping regions that have the potential to become buffer regions for the national capital by dispatching teams that will conduct surveys by land," Central Kalimantan acting regional secretary Nuryakin stated in Palangka Raya on Tuesday.
The acting secretary noted that Central Kalimantan will optimise its role as a buffer zone since the new capital would need support from other regions to fulfil essential needs.
"We must prepare our farming, fishery, and other sectors as required. Hence, when the central government needs the resources, we are ready," he remarked.
Nuryakin highlighted that Central Kalimantan has diverse natural resources that could be used to fulfil the needs of the new capital.
Becoming a buffer zone for the new capital would also benefit the local economy and enhance the residents' welfare, he added.
The acting secretary spoke of new developments conceived by the provincial authority that includes developing a food estate in the districts of Pulang Pisau and Kapuas that have been designated as national strategic projects.
The provincial government has also continued the development of a shrimp estate to optimise the marine potential in the province's coast, he affirmed.
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"We have also enhanced our human resources through the improvement of personnel quality and training facilities to help them compete (in future challenges)," Nuryakin remarked.
Earlier, Central Kalimantan Deputy Governor Edy Pratowo participated in the ceremony to pool soil and water from Indonesia's 34 provinces at the new capital Nusantara's kilometre zero on Monday (Mar 14) to symbolise the province's support for the new capital development.
After Deputy Governor Pratowo pooled the soil and water in the ceremonial jar during the ceremony, he planted a jelutong tree (Dyerapolyphyla), a native tree of Central Kalimantan, at kilometre zero.
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Translator: M Arif Hidayat, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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