Riri Rahayu, Jakarta – The Public Works and Housing (PUPR) Minister Basuki Hadimuljono on Thursday expressed his optimism in the new capital city translocation, which he believes can kick start in August 2024. He insisted on this target as the progress of the physical construction of the capital was claimed to reach 25 percent.
"The facilities that have been built include main highways, toll roads, dams, waste management system, drinking water systems, and the national landmark," said Basuki in a press statement on April 13.
Moreover, he claimed that the construction of the presidential palace and office had reached 8 percent and 5.8 percent progress. Basuki even said that other primary facilities had been completed entirely.
The construction of the Sepaku Semoi Dam and Sepaku River Intake in Penajam Paser Utara Regency, East Kalimantan, is targeted to begin filling with water in June this year.
"The Sepaku Semoi Dam can supply raw water needs of 2,500 liters per second, as much as 2,000 liters per second for the new capital city and the remaining 500 liters per second for Balikpapan," Basuki elaborated.
The head authority of the new capital city Bambang Susantoro elaborated on the importance of the construction progress of the area is closely related to sparking confidence in investors and future potential investors.
"This shows that Indonesia is really serious about building a sustainable new capital city and will become a driving force for Indonesia's future economic growth," said Bambang.