We want to prove our seriousness in environmental issues
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The construction of Mentawir Nursery in North Penajam Paser district, East Kalimantan, is a tangible manifestation of the government's seriousness in protecting the environment, especially in the capital (IKN) Nusantara, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has said.

He made the remark while reviewing the nursery on Wednesday with a number of chief editors of national mass media.

"We want to prove our seriousness in environmental issues. In fact, if we do not build the nursery here, the environment will be more damaged. We must focus on that," Jokowi said during a discussion with the chief editors, according to a press release received here on Wednesday.

Speaking on IKN Nusantara’s development, the President said he is targeting the composition of nature in the new capital to be 75–80 percent. This would be in accordance with the IKN's concept of a forest city.

The environment is an important concern at this time since it would determine future environmental problems, he added.

Not only in East Kalimantan, the government will also show its seriousness in handling environmental problems through the establishment of nurseries in other provinces on Kalimantan Island.

"We will prove our intentions. Later, we will have 12 million, or even 15 million seedlings," the President added.

He later said the government's target is to build 30 other nurseries, similar to Rumpin Nursery in Bogor district. The nursery development is planned to focus on areas with a large mining industry.

"There will be more nurseries in Kalimantan and Sumatra, which have a lot of mining. I mandate this to mining companies and palm oil companies," Jokowi said.

Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Puan Maharani, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Minister of Environment and Forestry Siti Nurbaya Bakar, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, Minister of Investment/head of the Investment Coordinating Board Bahlil Lahadalia, and Governor of East Kalimantan Isran Noor accompanied Jokowi during the visit.

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Translator: Rangga Pandu A J, Resinta S
Editor: Sri Haryati
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