(The capital relocation) will shift the centre of gravity of economic activities
Badung, Bali (ANTARA) - Nusantara Capital (IKN) Authority Head Bambang Susantono stated that relocation of the national capital from Jakarta to East Kalimantan reflected the government's commitment to achieving equitable development across Indonesia.

"(The capital relocation) will shift the centre of gravity of economic activities," Susantono stated during the G20 High-Level Experts and Leaders Panel (HELP) Conference here, Friday.

He opined that capital relocation was important as a new city and its infrastructure could bolster economic development in a country.

The new capital would become the new backbone of local, regional, and national economies that benefit the people in their social and economic aspects, the authority head said.

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Relocating Indonesia's capital would also alleviate Jakarta's structural burden and issues and present an opportunity for the city to enhance its role as Indonesia's financial capital, Susantono underlined.

He then revealed that the first phase of the new capital development would start from the central government core area, including presidential and vice presidential palaces, ministerial offices, and basic facilities for future residents.

"The new capital development, till its completion, is expected to take more than two decades," he remarked.


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Earlier, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) had expressed confidence that the progress in construction in Nusantara will become more apparent in January 2023 as the new capital’s development progresses.

The development of buildings and sites for the private sector is also expected to proceed in parallel with government buildings to mark the new capital as the new economic center, he affirmed.

"Next January, God Willing, apart from (the continued development of) government buildings, the private sector, investors, and public-private partnership actors will also commence their activities (in the new capital). This will make the new capital the new economic center, and we hope the progress will continue," the president stated.


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Translator: Astrid FH, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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