They also provided strong support for Indonesia's chairmanships in ASEAN throughout this year (in 2023).Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Head of the Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN) Dhony Rahajoe confirmed that five members of the United States (US) Congress would visit Indonesia’s future capital, Nusantara, in East Kalimantan Province, on Thursday (April 13, 2023).
"Yes, on Thursday, (we) will visit BOS (Borneo Orangutan Survival foundation) and Point Zero (of IKN Nusantara)," he stated when met at the Jakarta Presidential Palace here on Wednesday.
The OIKN deputy head noted that the visit of the US Congress members aimed at seeking potential cooperation projects.
“(We will discuss) regarding the environment. They (the US Congress members) also want to directly see which aspects can be collaborated with (Indonesia)," he stated.
On Wednesday, five members of the US Congress from the Democratic Party met Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at the palace.
The Congress members were Senator Jeff Merkley, Senator Chris Van Hollen, Representative Lloyd Doggett, Representative Pramila Jayapal, and Representative Ilhan Omar.
"Today, they (the Congress members) will fly to Kalimantan and tomorrow, they will visit (Indonesia’s future capital) Nusantara," Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi noted here on Wednesday.
Furthermore, she revealed that the meeting discussed attempts to increase strategic partnership between the United States and Indonesia.
"Because they see that Indonesia is a very important partner in the (ASEAN) region. Moreover, they said that 'Indonesia is shining now,'" she remarked.
Marsudi said that the US delegates lauded Indonesia's success as the chair of the G20 Presidency in 2022.
"They also provided strong support for Indonesia's chairmanships in ASEAN throughout this year (in 2023)," she remarked.
In addition, President Jokowi and the Congress members spoke about environmental and economic issues.
At a meeting, which also took place at the palace on Wednesday, National Development Planning Minister Suharso Monoarfa reported to the president that the IKN construction work was 26-percent complete.
"Meanwhile, when the president visited the location (in February 2023), it (the development) was still 15 percent (complete). Hopefully, it can be expedited," he stated.
He also drew attention to the progress achieved in the establishment of clean water facilities, dam, as well as housing for civil servants, military, and police personnel during the meeting.
Related news: President Jokowi discusses climate change with US Congress delegation
Related news: Hope Indonesia-US relations remain beneficial: DPR RI
Translator: Desca Natalia, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
