Despite several countries, such as Singapore, South Korea, and Japan, having shown interest in IKN, the president called on the OIKN to prioritize domestic investors first.
"I told the head of OIKN to prioritize domestic investors first. However, if it is stuck, we can pass it to foreign investors," he remarked at the groundbreaking of the Pakuwon Nusantara project in the IKN area, East Kalimantan, as accessed from a broadcast video on Wednesday.
According to Jokowi, 130 investors from Singapore had reviewed the progress in development at IKN.
Investors from Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were also interested in investing in IKN, he stated.
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In fact, the president revealed that investors from the UAE put forth a request for one block to build a financial center. However, he emphasized to the OIKN head to give the opportunity to domestic investors first.
"If we grant one block to the UAE investors for a financial center, then what will we have?" he questioned.
The president stated that with the construction of the IKN VVIP Airport, hospitals, and toll roads still underway, he believes that the completion of this infrastructure development work in 2024 will draw investors to IKN. Hence, he urged domestic investors to make the most of the momentum to invest in the new capital city.
"When these two toll roads are completed, along with the airport as well, I am sure that those, who are late in starting their investment in IKN, will regret it," he remarked.
Apart from attending the groundbreaking of the Pakuwon Nusantara project, Jokowi also attended the groundbreaking for a hospital and an airport in IKN Nusantara as well as reviewed the IKN access toll road project. The development work on these infrastructures are expected to be completed and become operational in 2024.
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Translator: Mentari Dwi G, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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