President Jokowi’s Office in IKN Proves the Sustainability of Development Programs

By: Zulfikar Borneo*

President Joko Widodo’s decision to work in the Indonesian Capital City (IKN) for more than a month is a bold step that shows his full commitment to the development of Indonesia’s new capital city. Starting from September 10 to October 19, 2024, the President will carry out various state duties in the IKN. This sends a strong message that the facilities in the IKN, especially in the Core Government Center Area (KIPP), are ready to be used.

The presidential office which will be used for a longer period of time is also a positive signal for the continuation of the IKN project, especially in efforts to realize a sustainable and modern future city for Indonesia. During this period, President Jokowi will not only work in the office, but also carry out various government duties, including cabinet meetings and working visits to other regions.

President Jokowi’s decision to work in the IKN is certainly supported by adequate infrastructure readiness. Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR), Basuki Hadimuljono, said that the facilities at the IKN are more ready compared to the Independence Day ceremony on August 17. Facilities that have been completed include the State Palace and the Garuda Palace, which are ready to become the center of state activities like the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.

One of the major projects whose work has been accelerated is the IKN Airport. With a 2,200-meter runway, this airport can be landed by planes, facilitating access for the President and state guests. The readiness of this airport is a strategic step in supporting mobility, not only for officials, but also for logistics and development projects in the IKN.

Apart from that, basic needs such as clean water at KIPP have also been confirmed ready. Tap water that can be drunk directly adds to the list of public facilities that are suitable for use. This water testing was carried out by Sucofindo, which ensures that its quality meets international health standards. The certificate obtained shows the government’s commitment to providing high-quality public services in the IKN.

The President’s Office in the IKN has also been equipped with accommodation facilities for the President and ministers. A total of 14 official residences are available, and in the near future, there will be an additional 6 more housing units. The target is for 36 official residences to be completed by the end of 2024. For state guests coming to the IKN, the Nusantara Hotel with a capacity of 200 rooms has also been prepared. If necessary, Balikpapan as the closest city to the IKN can also be easily reached via the toll road, only taking about an hour.

This arrangement not only reflects the readiness of physical infrastructure, but also the readiness of logistics and administration to support the smooth running of government work in the IKN. This shows that development in the IKN has entered a more mature phase, where various public and government facilities can be used optimally.

Special Staff to the Minister of PUPR, Endra S. Atmawidjaja, said that the facilities in the IKN have been prepared carefully, both in terms of infrastructure and accommodation, to ensure the comfort of the President and other officials. This statement further emphasizes the physical and technical readiness in the IKN.

In addition, the President’s office in the IKN until the end of his term shows that the IKN project is not just a political promise, but part of Jokowi’s grand vision to realize a more decentralized, modern, and inclusive Indonesia. The IKN is designed as a symbol of the nation’s progress, and the President’s presence there is a sign that this project is on the right track.

Secretary of the IKN Authority, Achmad Jaka Santos Adiwijaya, explained that the President’s office in the IKN will have a positive impact on the image of the IKN as a new center of government. This decision can also encourage investors and the public to have more confidence in the development of the IKN.

The President’s presence in the IKN is also expected to encourage more investment, both from within and outside the country, to support the development of infrastructure and the city’s ecosystem. In addition, the President’s office in the IKN is also an important momentum to promote the IKN as a modern, safe, and world-class center of government.

With increasingly complete infrastructure, from airports, clean water, to accommodation facilities, the IKN is now ready to become a new center of government. This decision is also proof that development in the IKN continues according to plan, and this project has entered a more advanced phase.

Public support for the IKN project is also important to ensure the success of this grand vision. With the facilities ready, attention to the sustainability of this project must continue to be maintained so that the IKN can become a modern, inclusive, and environmentally friendly city of the future, in accordance with the ideals of a more advanced and prosperous Indonesia.

)* The author is a native student from East Kalimantan