Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed his commitment to continue the development of the Indonesian National Capital (IKN), a project that is expected to reduce the burden on Java Island as a center of population and economic activity. Prabowo emphasized that the IKN project is a national priority that must be completed.
Forestry Minister (Menhut) Raja Juli Antoni revealed that President Prabowo has set a target to complete the construction of the IKN within four years. “For him, the IKN is the ‘Political Capital’ of Indonesia, a symbol of equitable development that will support national stability and development in various sectors,” he said.
In addition, Prabowo instructed the IKN Authority (OIKN) to accelerate the completion of government facilities, including legislative and judicial buildings. “He hopes that in August 2028, the DPR/MPR Plenary Session can be held in the IKN, even the inauguration of the President and Vice President in 2029 can be held there,” added Raja Juli.
The presence of the IKN as an administrative center in East Kalimantan not only brings physical changes, but also a positive impact on the local economy. The Head of the Paser Traditional Institution, Sepaku District, North Penajam Paser Regency, Hasanuddin, said that the empowerment carried out by the IKN Authority has increased income and job opportunities for the local community. “Local business income has increased, previously around IDR 5 million a day, now it can reach double that,” he said.
The IKN project is also an investment magnet. The Head of the East Kalimantan Investment and One-Stop Integrated Service Agency (DPMPTSP), Fahmi Prima Laksana, reported that investment realization until the third quarter of 2024 reached IDR 55.82 trillion, consisting of Domestic Investment (PMDN) of IDR 38.65 trillion and Foreign Investment (PMA) of IDR 17.16 trillion. “We are optimistic that the annual target of IDR 76.02 trillion will be achieved,” said Fahmi.
President Prabowo emphasized that the IKN project is very important for economic equality in Indonesia, although the process takes time. “I am determined to continue and accelerate the development of the IKN. If possible, we will accelerate it,” he said at the Plenary Cabinet Meeting at the IKN, August 12. With high optimism, Prabowo is confident that this project will be completed on time and bring significant changes to Indonesia’s future.
The government is optimistic that the development of the IKN will be completed according to target and can encourage economic growth and equality outside Java. The President also ensured that the acceleration of the development of the IKN will continue to be a government priority in order to create a new, modern and globally competitive government center.