JOKO WIDODO TO BRING INVESTORS TO IKN NUSANTARA AT END-FEBRUARY

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, Jan 31 (Bernama) -- Indonesian President Joko Widodo is expected to invite investors including from Malaysia to visit the site of the republic's new capital (IKN), Nusantara, at the end of next month, local media reported.

Minister of Public Works and Housing Basuki Hadimuljono said, according to initial plans, the president will return to visit the new capital city with investors to gain their confidence.

bootstrap slideshow

“Maybe end-February. If there is better progress compared with two months ago, he (Joko Widodo) will go there with the investors,” he was quoted as saying by detikFinance.

Basuki said the investors will be from various countries including Malaysia, especially those which have expressed commitment to be involved in the development of the capital city in East Kalimantan.

A total of 10 Malaysian companies have officially stated their interest to participate in the development of Nusantara through 11 letters of intent (LOI) involving 11 projects.

The LOIs were presented by International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz to the head of IKN Authority Bambang Suswantono on Jan 9, 2023.

The presentation ceremony was witnessed by Joko Widodo and Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in conjunction with Anwar's first official visit to Indonesia since his appointment as the 10th Prime Minister.

Basuki, who was the minister in attendance during the prime minister's visit, said preliminary works such as land clearing, surveying works and highway construction are progressing smoothly.

At least 500 out of 16,000 construction workers are now residing in IKN and the others will be brought in gradually, he said.

The construction works which are being actively implemented by the Indonesian government are in line with the president's plan to hold the nation's Independence Day on Aug 17, 2024 in Nusantara.

-- BERNAMA