RI Anniversary celebration in Nusantara symbolizes progression: govt

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The first ceremony and celebration of the 79th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia in its new capital city Nusantara, East Kalimantan, signifies the country's progress towards becoming an advanced nation, a top government official said.

"This is a symbol of government transition and also a symbol towards an advanced Indonesia with the target of completing the capital transfer by 2045," Communication and Informatics Ministry's Director General of Public Communication and Information, Usman Kansong, stated here on Saturday.

Kansong ensured that holding two state ceremonies for Independence Day does not violate any existing laws.

The government has made all-out efforts and conducted routine evaluations so that the historic ceremony in Nusantara on August 17 can run smoothly.

"We have ensured that in terms of regulations, there are no violations. We also involve the BPIP (Pancasila Ideology Development Agency) in every meeting to review the existing regulations," Kansong stated.

Hence, the Independence Day state ceremony to be held at two locations -- Nusantara and Jakarta -- for the first time in history can offer a new chapter in Indonesia's journey to becoming a developed country.

The government has invited local communities and religious and customary leaders to participate and enliven the celebration in Nusantara.

However, not everyone can attend the ceremony in person and only those selected by the East Kalimantan provincial government are allowed to be present.

Meanwhile, there are other ways to witness the 79th Indonesian Anniversary celebration in Nusantara.

People can watch the procession through videotrons and TV broadcasts.

"The public who want to watch the event can participate in the nobar (mass-watching) and through videotrons prepared at several points both in IKN and Jakarta," Kansong remarked.