Plans for the construction of a toll road featuring an immersed underwater tunnel in the Capital of the Nusantara (IKN) are currently undergoing thorough examination. The anticipated cost of this endeavor is expected to reach an impressive Rp10 trillion.
According to Danis H Sumadilaga, the Chairman of the Task Force for Infrastructure Development in IKN under the Ministry of Public Works and People’s Housing (PUPR), the development plan for the underwater tunnel in IKN is still in its detailed engineering design (DED) phase.
“At the moment, we are still in the DED phase. This marks the beginning, so our colleagues at Bina Marga need to proceed with caution,” explained Sumadilaga during an interview at the Ministry of PUPR office on Friday (17/2/2024).
The detailed study process primarily focuses on the installation procedures and the identification of the ideal location for the immersed tunnel. This meticulous approach aims to ensure that the underwater tunnel is completely waterproof.
Sumadilaga further elaborated that, based on the latest information, the construction of the toll road with the underwater tunnel is likely to be carried out through a collaborative effort between the government and private entities (KPBU).
“The final decision will be made by the government, with the minister issuing the necessary policy. If the investment proves to be too substantial [due to its expense], then the initial funding may come from the state budget,” he concluded.
From a technical standpoint, the construction of the underwater tunnel will not solely take place underwater. Instead, it will commence on land before being submerged. Once submerged, each segment will be meticulously installed, followed by the removal of water until the tunnel is completely watertight and ready for traffic. The overall length of the tunnel spans 2 kilometers.
Meanwhile, progress on the construction of the State Palace in IKN, located in East Kalimantan, has reached a noteworthy milestone, achieving 55 percent completion as of February 8, 2024.
“The construction progress for the State Palace, parade ground, and palace area in IKN has reached 55 percent,” affirmed Danis Sumadilaga, Chairman of the Task Force for the Implementation of Infrastructure Development in IKN, during a statement in Jakarta on Friday, as reported by Antaranews.
Sumadilaga also disclosed that the construction progress for the Presidential Office in IKN has reached an impressive 73 percent as of February 8, 2024.
The Ministry of PUPR has assured that the construction of the State Palace, parade ground, palace area, and Presidential Office remains on track and is slated for completion. These developments are expected to be ready in time for the Independence Day celebrations of the Republic of Indonesia in 2024 at IKN.
It’s important to note that the commemoration of Indonesia’s Independence Day on August 17, 2024, in IKN, East Kalimantan, marks the commencement of the gradual relocation of the national capital from DKI Jakarta to the Archipelago.
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