Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), on Wednesday, made assurance that development of the Presidential Palace in the new capital Nusantara City runs smoothly in accordance with the plan.

The president made the statement after visiting designer and sculptor Nyoman Nuarta's workshop at the NuArt Sculpture Park in West Bandung District, West Java.

"I have come to Mr Nyoman Nuarta's workshop to ensure the development of the new capital, primarily the Presidential Palace, runs smoothly. When I review all aspects here, Insya Allah (God Willing), the development runs smoothly according to our timetable," Jokowi noted, as per the Presidential Secretariat statement received here.

During his visit, the head of state observed the development process of the metal ornaments that will form the Garuda-shaped external cover of the Presidential Palace in the new capital, for which the works have been commissioned to Nuarta.

He observed the welding, laser, and colouring works of the brass-made ornaments at the workshop.

"(Those processes) aim to ensure the actual condition is accurate to the plan," Jokowi stated.

Meanwhile, in response to queries on whether his review of the workshop will be followed by an upcoming visit to the new capital site, the president said it is not on his plan yet.

However, Jokowi affirmed that he always received regular reports and updates on the new capital's development progress from his subordinates visiting and reviewing the site.

"Yes, perhaps, (the visit) will be before October 2023. Nonetheless, the minister goes there every day, and the OIKN chief there also reports all progress to me," Jokowi remarked.

Jokowi had reiterated his confidence on past occasions that the Presidential Palace in Nusantara City will be ready to host the 79th Indonesia Independence Day commemoration ceremony by August 2024.

Meanwhile, Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono had stated last June that the progress in infrastructure development in the new capital had reached 29 percent.

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Translator: Gilang Galiartha, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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