Jokowi presses for prudence in designating Nusantara as capital

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) underscored the importance of exercising prudence before officially designating Nusantara as Indonesia's new capital, likening it to being much more complex than "moving out to a new home."

The president made the remarks in response to questions on when he will enact the presidential instruction to move the nation's capital from Jakarta to Nusantara.

"When moving out to a new home is so complex even for us, how about relocating the nation's capital? Do not underestimate it," he stated at Nusantara, East Kalimantan, on Monday.

"Moving the capital is not only an administrative or legal matter; we should also see the development progress in the new capital site," the president remarked.

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President Jokowi arrived at Nusantara on Sunday afternoon (August 11) and will be working from the new capital for several days. He is expected to chair a cabinet meeting and attend groundbreakings for several infrastructures during his stay in Nusantara.

President Jokowi, along with President-elect Prabowo Subianto, will also preside over Indonesia's 79th Independence Day commemoration ceremony in the new capital on August 17.

It will be the only occasion when the Independence Day ceremony takes place in two different cities, namely Jakarta, the current capital, and Nusantara.

Last July, Jokowi highlighted the possibility that the presidential instruction on the capital relocation could be enacted by his successor, Prabowo, instead of during the current term.

"The presidential decision (can be enacted) before or after October 2024. It depends on the site's readiness," Jokowi stated while referring to Prabowo's inauguration day on October 20.

"We will not push when it is not ready; we should not force it," he added.