Thomas Rizal, Nusantara – President-elect Prabowo Subianto confirmed on Monday that he has invested in the new national capital, Nusantara, in East Kalimantan as a businessman and suggested that he plans to relocate to the city as president once it's operational.

Prabowo, who currently serves as defense minister, is set to be inaugurated as Indonesia's eighth president on October 20.

"Building a new city is not an instant process – it's going to be long and challenging, but I believe that within three to five years, it can function as the national capital," Prabowo said during a visit to Nusantara.

Prabowo, along with other ministers, was in Nusantara for the inaugural cabinet meeting held in the new capital.

He pledged to continue the construction of Nusantara following the transition of presidential power from Joko "Jokowi" Widodo to him.

"I have repeatedly stated my determination to continue [Jokowi's programs] and to see them through to completion, if possible," Prabowo said. "One of the investors in Nusantara is myself, in my capacity as a businessman."

When asked whether he would work from Nusantara, Prabowo replied: "The president's office must be based in the national capital."

During the cabinet meeting, President Jokowi disclosed that Nusantara has attracted Rp 56.2 trillion ($3.5 billion) in private-sector investments.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/prabowo-confirms-investment-in-nusantara-as-a-businessma