Jakarta (ANTARA) - Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono confirmed the ministry will train 1,565 workers in North Penajam Paser, East Kalimantan, ahead of the groundbreaking for construction of the state palace in new capital Nusantara.

"Next Saturday (August 27), we will provide training to 1,565 workers in Sepaku Semoi. It is not for outsiders, but it is only local residents that we will train as consultants and construction experts," Hadimuljono stated during his visit to the Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park to observe the progress in revitalization here Tuesday.

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) received the report on the progress in development of the state palace in the new capital, currently at the end of the appeal period, before the conclusion of the tender process, he stated.

The minister also expressed readiness to sign the project contract with companies appointed in the tender process.

"I report (the progress) to the president, as I will sign the contract letter, expected to be inked by next week at the latest because the tender's appeal period is until this week. Hence, we will sign the contract later," Hadimuljono remarked.

Despite nearing the groundbreaking day, he admitted that the president's attendance in the state palace groundbreaking procession in the new capital had yet to be determined.

"Throughout my years as the minister, (I observed) the president is not fond of (groundbreaking ceremonies). He prefers visiting ongoing projects. When I asked him, he only smiles," the minister revealed.

According to the latest information, the president has no plan to visit the new capital site until the end of August, he said, adding that the president will pay a visit only after the construction has begun.

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Translator: Gilang Galiartha, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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