President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has said that the construction of the toll road from Balikpapan to the new capital city (IKN), Nusantara, in East Kalimantan will be completed by the end of 2024.

“By the end of 2024, we will finish the toll road from Balikpapan to IKN Nusantara’s core area,” he informed after reviewing the toll road in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, on Wednesday.

The 40-kilometer toll road will connect Balikpapan to IKN Nusantara’s core area and will take 30 minutes to navigate, he informed. The toll road will also be the first connectivity infrastructure built by the government in IKN Nusantara.

“The infrastructure has been running. This will be the first supporting infrastructure built for the development of IKN Nusantara,” Widodo said.

There have been no obstacles to the construction of the toll road, he added. The obstacles faced earlier in land acquisition have also been resolved.

“The Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Minister, Basuki Hadimuljono, has informed us that there are no problems,” he added.

Furthermore, the President emphasized that land acquisition in IKN should not harm the local community. He also stresses this for every infrastructure work at IKN.

“I think the approach is the same. I have told the head of the IKN Authority, Bambang Susantono, the people should not be harmed by the construction of IKN Nusantara,” Widodo said.

IKN Nusantara’s development will continue to prioritize aspects of environmental sustainability since the city is being built on the concept of a green and environmentally friendly city, he added.

“Even the slightest thing related to the environment must be considered,” he stressed.

The government is developing IKN Nusantara as the new capital of Indonesia in place of Jakarta. The construction of the IKN requires an estimated Rp466 trillion in funds.

IKN Nusantara has been envisaged as a modern, smart, and environmentally friendly city. The construction of the new capital is expected to be completed by 2045.

Source: Antara News