Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government is building a memorial park in the new National Capital City (IKN) Nusantara in East Kalimantan ahead of Indonesia's 79th independence anniversary on August 17.

During the groundbreaking of the memorial park on Wednesday, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said that the construction of the memorial park on 2,000 square meters of land is intended to commemorate the services of the national heroes.

"This country became independent because of the services of the nation's heroes and warriors," he remarked during the groundbreaking of the memorial park in Nusantara.

The construction of the memorial park will be integrated with the Beranda Nusantara area, which will become a point of view in Nusantara to draw the attention of the public and state guests visiting the new capital city.

"When state guests come to visit, they will partake in flower-laying ceremonies at this memorial park," Jokowi stated.

Built at a cost of Rp391 billion (around US$25 million), the memorial park will be equipped with an altar, stairs, and other infrastructure and landscaping.

Jokowi stated that the public space can accommodate up to 1,000 people at once. The statues of the Indonesian first president and vice president, Soekarno and Mohammad Hatta, will also be installed at the memorial park.

The construction is targeted for completion in August 2024, right before the Republic of Indonesia's 79th anniversary ceremony on August 17.

"This place will serve as a constant reminder to Indonesians about the services of the nation's heroes who fought to achieve our independence," he emphasized.

Apart from the memorial park, Jokowi also officiated the construction groundbreaking for some facilities in Nusantara, such as the State Mosque, the Nusantara Logistic Super Hub, and the office for the IKN Authority.

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Translator: Yashinta Difa/Novi Abdi, Resinta S
Editor: Anton Santoso
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