President Prabowo Subianto’s stance on Indonesia’s new capital project, Nusantara (IKN), has sparked curiosity. With Prabowo pushing major initiatives like free nutritious meals and large-scale food estates, both of which demand a significant budget, questions arise on how Prabowo will balance these priorities with the colossal IKN development.
Addressing these concerns, Coordinating Minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) has made it clear: IKN remains a top infrastructure priority under Prabowo’s administration. AHY highlighted that the capital relocation plan is not only on track but also positioned as one of the president’s three key projects.
“According to President Prabowo’s instructions, IKN is one of the main infrastructure projects we will continue,” he stated during the 2024 National Coordination Meeting, as broadcast on the Ministry of Home Affairs’ YouTube channel on Thursday (7/11/2024).
Prabowo’s focus on speeding up IKN’s construction reflects his vision for Nusantara as the heart of Indonesia’s government, and AHY underscored that accelerating the establishment of core government functions is now a pressing goal.
“The president is focused on IKN, particularly as the country’s governmental center. Our aim is to complete the facilities for the executive, judiciary, and legislature,” AHY emphasized.
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Further adding momentum to the project, Basuki Hadimuljono, Head of the Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN), revealed that Prabowo is pushing for an accelerated timeline, aiming to finish IKN in three to four years. “The president wants it done,” Basuki shared, recounting a conversation at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday (5/11/2024). “He wants us to complete IKN by 2028.”
Investment targets for Nusantara also underscore the administration’s commitment to its new capital vision. By the close of 2024, OIKN aims to attract IDR 100 trillion in investments, and Basuki noted that IDR 58 trillion has already been secured as of mid-October.
He remains confident in achieving the targets, particularly as foundational work is well underway in the Central Government Core Area (KIPP), requiring only the finalization of judicial and legislative buildings.
“We need judiciary, executive, and legislative structures, plus housing, ready by 2028. I’ll do my part as long as there’s funding and a plan. You know my work style,” Basuki asserted, signaling his unwavering dedication to Prabowo’s accelerated timeline for Nusantara.
Through Prabowo’s directive and AHY’s confirmation, Indonesia’s capital relocation project is set to push forward, presenting a bold vision for Nusantara despite the hefty costs and competing national priorities.
