On that day, Indonesia's 7th President, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), for the first time held office in the Nusantara Capital City in East Kalimantan.
Although Jakarta currently remains the center of government, the president viewed having an office in Nusantara as a fresh injection of energy and enthusiasm as well as a new mindset.
On his Instagram account @jokowi, the president affirmed that it was the first step that offered new hope and opportunities for a better future for Indonesia.
He candidly told the media about not having slept well on the night before he held office there.
"I slept here last night. I did not sleep soundly. I speak frankly about this," he said with a slight laugh.
Jokowi said he could not sleep well as it was his first night staying at the IKN Presidential Office.
Earlier, during a working meeting at IKN, he had slept at the minister's landed house and the glamping area.
Despite sound sleep having evaded him, the president seemed enthusiastic about showing the media crew some of the rooms in the Presidential Office or the so-called Garuda Palace.
Observation deck
One of the Garuda Palace’s facilities that he showed was the under-construction observation or viewing deck, which offers a view of all parts of the city.
At the deck, President Jokowi viewed the National Axis, located opposite the Garuda Palace, where the Red and White Flag stands.
He then turned around while gazing at the splendor of the palace, which has 4,650 giant Garuda Bird sheaths that serve as the outer layer of the building's facade.
Responding to more details sought on the observation deck, the president unhesitatingly admitted to having yet to be fully familiar with the location and rooms in the building.
"I have not remembered what this floor is. Not yet...I just spent a night here," he remarked.
Accompanied by State Secretariat Minister Pratikno, Jokowi sat in the middle of the deck with the National Axis in the backdrop.
The bustling construction, replete with heavy equipment, in the IKN Nusantara's Central Government Core Area (KIPP) can be viewed from the deck.Jokowi was keen to show more rooms in the palace to the media but did not want to hinder the workers busy completing the Presidential Office area.
On that day, East Kalimantan was so sunny that the president had to squint his eyes when the sun's glare blocked the view. However, Jokowi said that he did not feel hot, as the morning sun is good for health.
Conference room
Moving from the observation deck, the president showed a room that would be used as the press conference room.
In the room, dozens of seats facing each other were lined up, as were rows of Red and White flags and a Garuda symbol on the wall.
Moreover, two screens, installed for presentation purposes, displayed the logo of the 79th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia.
The president then sat on one of those seats.
"It is good, right?" Jokowi asked the media crew after momentarily looking at the surroundings.
In addition to the press conference room in the Garuda Palace, there is also another press conference room at the IKN Presidential Palace.
The conversation with the president at that time was easy-going, to the point that one of the journalists inquired about where the canteen would be located, as well as the location that often becomes the area for doorstop interviews, like at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta.
President Jokowi laughed after hearing the question and admitted that he had yet to become fully familiar with the rooms there.
National Axis
President Jokowi and First Lady Iriana, along with some celebrities, viewed the National Axis on Sunday (July 27) before taking office at the Garuda Palace.
The National Axis gave the impression of a more futuristic city than Jakarta.
The area seems to reflect the future city that is the ideals of the IKN Nusantara development.
The green open area called the Ceremonial Plaza includes a retail building, library, and an amphitheater. To reach the building, people can walk through the wooden bridge path.
LED lights are installed under the bridge to add to the aesthetic appeal of the evening. While enjoying the area in the afternoon, one can see the sunset from the west direction.
The president stated that the National Axis is more beautiful at night.
He emphasized that IKN Nusantara's development is a major job that would take 15 to 20 years to complete.
Jokowi also denied the idea that the IKN development is rushed. In fact, he said, it is carried out in accordance with the procedures.
At least 1,380 guests will attend the Seconds to Independence Proclamation Ceremony in IKN Nusantara on August 17, 2024, which will inspire and motivate all parties involved, including the public, that Nusatara's development will be completed and become a loved and livable city.
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Translator: Mentari G, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
