This is not a project (that will be completed in) 2 to 5 years. It can take 10 to 15 years…Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo on Thursday expressed his optimism over the commencement of the new capital Nusantara's construction and plans for holding the 79th Independence Day ceremony on August 17, 2024, at the completed capital.
"I just want to convey an optimism that the new capital construction has begun on its infrastructure, office buildings, and here as well, the ministers' accommodation," the President remarked while visiting the ministers' housing development site in East Kalimantan on Thursday.
The housing area consists of 36 houses for cabinet ministers and is expected to be completed by June 2024.
The start of Nusantara city's physical construction and its continued progress will dispel remaining doubts that any residents harbor toward the new capital’s development, he emphasized.
"Hence, if anyone remains doubtful (regarding the new capital’s development), the on-site (construction) has progressed like this anyway," he said.
The development of the new capital is a long-term process and will require at least 10 to 15 years, a timeframe common for other countries that have relocated their new capital, he added.
"This is not a project (that will be completed in) 2 to 5 years. It can take 10 to 15 years, and other countries who decided to relocate (their capital) also completed their development according to the time range that I have stated," he said.
In line with Widodo’s determination, Nusantara Capital Authority head Bambang Susantono earlier said that he expects the new capital to host the 79th Independence Day ceremony in 2024. He added that he will make efforts to realize the goal.
During a hearing meeting with Commission XI of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) on February 6, 2023, the authority head called for support and prayers for the smooth development of the new capital and its on-time completion.
He also affirmed that his side is continuing to optimize the work plans of the Nusantara Capital Authority to implement Law No. 3 of 2022 on the National Capital.
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Translator: Indra Arief P, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Sri Haryati
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