Fuad Iqbal Abdullah, Jakarta – Sugianto Kusuma, also known as Aguan, the head of the Nusantara Consortium, has addressed the recent shifts in leadership within the Nusantara Capital City Authority (OIKN) following the resignations of Bambang Susantono and Dhony Rahajoe from their respective positions.
Despite Bambang Susantono's resignation, Aguan remains confident that projects within the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) will continue smoothly. He sees the appointment of the Public Works and Public Housing Minister (PUPR), Basuki Hadimuljono, as the interim head of OIKN as a positive development.
"I am confident that we can move forward faster, decisions can be made quickly. All investors also believe that he is the right replacement," Aguan remarked on Wednesday.
Aguan, the owner of the renowned property company Agung Sedayu Group, highlighted Basuki's presence as reassuring for investors in Nusantara, facilitating the acceleration of projects such as the Astra Biz Center and Nusantara Botanical Garden.
Moreover, Aguan disclosed that the construction progress of Nusantara Hotel has reached 90 percent, with an expected completion date in July. The project requires an estimated investment of Rp 20 trillion ($1.3 billion).
The Nusantara Consortium, comprising 12 companies, actively contributes to the development of Nusantara. Ongoing projects encompass mixed-use buildings, hotels, shopping centers, offices, and more.
Notable conglomerates within the Nusantara Consortium include Prajogo Pangestu (Barito Group), Franky Wijadja (Sinar Mas), Boy Thohir (Adaro), Eka Tjandra (Mulia Group), Kuncoro Wibowo (Ace Hardware), Djoko Susanto (Alfamart), and Pui Sudarto (Pulau Intan Group).
Indonesia is currently racing against time to build Nusantara as President Joko Widodo plans to start working from the nation's new capital this July. He also aims to celebrate Indonesia's Independence Day on August 17 in the yet-to-be-built capital.
Basuki Hadimuljono assured that Nusantara's development would proceed as planned, with progress reaching 80 percent.