"It is a matter of how to fill Nusantara with its own (art and cultural) spirits. A city must have a spirit, otherwise it would be soulless," he remarked while opening a public discussion titled "Developing Art and Cultural Ecosystems in IKN" in Jakarta on Thursday.
Susantono noted that efforts to develop art and culture in IKN align with President Joko Widodo's message regarding the importance of developing the city by taking into account various aspects apart from merely the physical infrastructures.
The president pushed for parties to develop IKN in the direction towards the realization of the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision by focusing on various aspects, including art and culture.
Furthermore, Susantono affirmed that the identity of a country is the reflection of that of its capital city, including in terms of cultural identity.
"Cities are the people not the buildings," he cited William Shakespeare, a British poet, adding that a city must be dynamic and comfortable for people to hang out.
To that end, the authority has prepared plans for building a theater and a museum in the new capital city, he revealed.
According to Susantono, the government will build a museum that will not merely transport people back to the past but also invite them to talk about the future, akin to the Museum of the Future in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.
"We are aiming to make Nusantara not simply a livable city but also a lovable one," he stressed.
Hence, Susantono stated that the OIKN was open to anyone keen on partaking in the efforts to develop art and culture in Nusantara City.
He then expressed hope that Nusantara would become a city that depicts the collaboration between great people, beautiful nature, and rich art and culture.
"Nusantara is us. We are Nusantara," he stated.
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Translator: Sean Filo, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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