As Indonesia readies itself for the 79th anniversary of its independence, this year’s celebration will be a landmark event, taking place in the nation’s new capital, IKN Nusantara. The occasion not only highlights the country’s enduring spirit but also showcases the progress made in infrastructure at the new capital. Here’s a detailed update on the latest from the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR) about the preparations.
Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, who also serves as the Acting Head of the Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN), confirmed that the infrastructure for IKN is on track for the Independence Day ceremony set for August 17, 2024.
For those traveling to the Central Government Core Area (KIPP) of IKN from Balikpapan, Minister Basuki outlined the routes available. One option is to use the Balikpapan-Samarinda Toll Road, exiting at Karangjoang, then continuing through the National Road Access TPK Kariangau and the functional IKN Toll Road (Sections 3A – 3B – 5A – Pulau Balang Panjang Bridge). This route spans 88 kilometers and takes approximately 90 minutes.
An alternative route involves the Balikpapan-Samarinda Toll Road with an exit at Samboja KM 38, leading to the Samboja Sepaku National Road. This route has a travel time of about 150 minutes.
“The total travel distance is 88 kilometers with a travel time of around 90 minutes. Alternatively, you can use the Samboja route, which takes about 150 minutes,” said Basuki during the Independence Month Press Conference on August 5, 2024, quoted from CNBC Indonesia.
Inside the KIPP, Minister Basuki noted that there are 7 kilometers of paved roads and compacted service roads. Specific roads around the ceremony site, including the West Axis, East Axis, and Feeder Grande (totaling 4,510 meters), are ready to support the event.
Access to the Presidential Palace and Garuda Palace is facilitated via several roads: the West Axis Road (1,980 meters), Grande Feeder Road at the Palace Gate (430 meters), East Axis Road (2,100 meters), Feeder Lingkar Sepaku 2 (550 meters), Toll Access 6C, and the West and East Axis Roundabouts (576 meters). These roads, totaling 1,260 meters, are fully paved.
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“The Presidential Palace, the ceremony grounds, and the podium are all set for the August 17th celebration. The Presidential Palace’s infrastructure is ready, and the Garuda Palace is 95% complete, with furniture installation expected by August 10,” Basuki added.
The Ceremonial Plaza will feature the Ceremonial Lawn, which includes various amenities such as the Visitor Center, Amphitheater, Forest Trail, public restrooms, and Retail/Gallery spaces for MSMEs. This area is designed to accommodate guests and supporting committees. The Nusantara Porch Area will include the Memorial Park/Kusuma Bangsa Park for the Sacred Reflection, Garuda Wings, Porch Building, Flagpole Monument, and Parking Building, all targeted to be completed by August 11, 2024.
In addition, out of four Coordinating Ministry Offices, each with four towers (totaling 16 towers), seven towers will be operational during the ceremony: Coordinator 1 (1 tower), Coordinator 2 (1 tower), Coordinator 3 (2 towers), and Coordinator 4 (3 towers). These will be used for 2-3 floors of ASN (State Civil Apparatus) and ceremony staff.
“Eight towers of ASN housing will be operational, fully furnished, and equipped with water and electricity. Each tower will contain 60 residential units of 98 m2, each with three rooms. The Minister’s Residences will include 14 units, fully furnished,” Basuki explained.
The PUPR Ministry has also completed 15 reservoirs in the KIPP IKN area for both aesthetic and water preservation purposes. Water facilities, including the Water Treatment Plant (IPA), transmission pipes, reservoirs, distribution pipes, and building/office pipes, are scheduled to begin operation by August 10, 2024. The initial water flow rate is 150 liters per second, meeting international drinking water standards.
“Since July 20, we have been running tests for drinking water, which has already reached the Presidential Palace and Garuda Palace. The water quality meets standards and is expected to be superior to bottled water. I will request Sucofindo to conduct additional quality testing,” Basuki concluded.
