Daniel A. Fajri, Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo plans to bring approximately 500 volunteers to the new capital city Nusantara (IKN) in North Penajam Paser, East Kalimantan, in early August 2024. He aims to deliver a message about sustainability during the visit.

Communication and Informatics Minister Budi Arie Setiadi first revealed the plan at the Gerindra Party office in South Jakarta on Saturday, July 27, 2024. The Pro-Jokowi Group (Projo) chairman mentioned that the President had tasked him with coordinating the departure of around 500 volunteers.

Utje Gustav, chair of the Jokowi President Volunteer Front (Bara JP), stated that the exact departure date in early August is still tentative. "It could be August 4, it could be 11, or later. But it's certain that it won't be on a workday," he told Tempo on Monday, July 29.

Utje highlighted the IKN as a significant legacy of the Jokowi administration and, consequently, a legacy for the volunteers.

Immanuel Ebenezer, leader of Jokowi Mania (now Prabowo Mania), said that the meeting between the President and volunteers will focus on preparations for Indonesia's Independence Day celebrations on August 17th and the upcoming transition of government to Prabowo.

"There are issues that the IKN won't exist, the IKN is abandoned. No, the IKN continues," he emphasized on Monday.

Presidential Secretariat Protocol and Media Deputy Yusuf Permana did not respond to Tempo's inquiries about Jokowi's plan to bring volunteers to IKN. This year marks the first time Indonesia's Independence Day will be celebrated in the new capital.

President Jokowi for the first time has an office in the IKN and will stay there for three days.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1897013/president-jokowi-to-bring-500-volunteers-to-nusantara-capital-cit