IKN (ANTARA) - The Ceremonial Plaza, located within the Government Core Area of Nusantara Capital City (IKN), East Kalimantan, has the capacity to accommodate up to 8,000 people during the celebration of Indonesia's 79th Independence Day.

Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Minister Basuki Hadimuljono conveyed this while referring to a statement made earlier by the Head of the IKN Infrastructure Development Task Force, Danis Sumadilaga.

Speaking when inspecting the Bukit Baumantara Gallery Building in Nusantara on Sunday, Hadimuljono said Ceremonial Plaza would serve as a public open space, offering residents an opportunity to join the celebration of Indonesia's Independence Day anniversary on August 17.

"In actuality, this place is quite adequate as a gathering spot for people. However, the problem arises when it comes to connectivity. We need to address this matter," he pointed out.

The minister noted that due to limited space, the area of IKN State Palace cannot properly accommodate a large number of private vehicles.

To that end, he said the Ministry of Transportation and local police would work together to manage people's mobility.

Hadimuljono further remarked that the PUPR Ministry had been preparing four stops of autonomous rail transit (ART) trains, namely West National Axis, Hotel Nusantara, Bank Indonesia, and Grande. He said the four stops would have been ready by August 15.

"Besides guests, residents will also have the opportunity to test it (the ART) for free," he added.

To enliven the celebration of Independence Day, the government is planning to operate two three-carrier train sets, each with a capacity of 300 passengers. The number of carriages might be adjusted to the needs in the field.

For the first time ever, Indonesia's future capital city will host a ceremony marking the country's Independence Day anniversary. President Joko Widodo is scheduled to preside over the event.

A similar ceremony, planned to be chaired by Vice President Ma'ruf Amin, will take place in Jakarta on the same day.

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Translator: Putu Indah, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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