"It has been proven now that the development of Nusantara city could bolster the revenues of (local) MSMEs. This is what we aspire (toward), concrete proof that the development of Nusantara has positively (impacted) the economy and is enjoyed by residents in the outskirts of the new capital," he said on Monday.
He then reiterated his side's determination to ensure that the new capital’s development progress according to plan continues to benefit the people's economy, and its positive effects spread beyond the new capital area to Kalimantan Island and the rest of the country.
This will be consistent with the goals of Nusantara city’s development, which is to achieve equitable economic development and realize Indonesia as a high-income country, he said.
Meanwhile, Kasno, aged 50, the owner of a chicken noodle and meatball soup stall near the new capital’s site, expressed his gratitude over President Joko Widodo's decision to relocate the capital to East Kalimantan, which has benefited his enterprise.
"The difference is stark. Before the new capital’s development, I sold 100 to 150 portions, but now, I can sell 300 portions or more," he said.
Kasno's stall is strategically located on the Sepaku axis road connecting Balikpapan city to the new capital site and has attracted an increasing number of patrons, including officials from the central and regional authorities.
"Now, customers who eat at my establishment are more diverse, from locals, agriculture workers, regional authorities, and central government officials who want to go to Nusantara City. Mr Bambang (Susantono) also spent his time several times eating here," he said.
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Translator: M Ghofar, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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