President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo starts working from the new capital of Nusantara (IKN), North Penajam Paser regency, East Kalimantan province, Thursday (09/12). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Muchlis Jr)
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Thursday (09/12) departed for East Kalimantan province to return to office in the new capital of Nusantara (IKN).
The President and his entourage took off from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta onboard Indonesia-1 Presidential Aircarft at around 07.30 Western Indonesian Time.
Upon arrival at Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport in Balikpapan city, the President will take an Indonesian Air Force Super Puma helicopter to Nusantara in North Penajam Paser regency.
“Today, President Jokowi will return to the Nusantara office to meet with TNI and Polri officials and give directives for 2024. The meeting will take place in the Nusantara Room at the State Palace in IKN,” Deputy for Protocol, Press, and Media of the Presidential Secretariat Yusuf Permana said in his written statement.
In his remarks, the President urged the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) to carry the spirit of transformation seen in Nusantara and implement it in their respective regions.
“I want each of you to observe Nusantara and witness the progress and spirit of transformation here. The goal is to bring this spirit back to your regions and apply it in your own areas,” he said.
According to the President, the spirit of transformation reflected from adopting green building standards, using eco-friendly transportation fuels, and employing green energy for electricity.
The President went on to say that the Government’s commitment to achieving a vision of Indonesia-centric development focused on equality and justice.
“It’s not just Java-centric but Indonesia-centric. We aim to achieve ‘Golden Indonesia’ by 2045, with a target to achieve per capita GDP of US$23,000 in twenty years. The goal of ‘Golden Indonesia 2045’ is to advance and prosper the nation,” he said. To achieve this vision, he added, it requires the courage to make bold decisions despite risks and challenges.
Therefore, the President appealed to TNI and Polri officials to effectively exercise their leadership within their areas of responsibility.
“Ladies and gentlemen, as leaders in the TNI and Polri, at all levels from districts and cities to provinces and national, you must have the courage to make decisions and take action, whether those steps are small, medium, or big,” he stressed.
On that occasion, the President underscored that relocating the capital from Jakarta to Nusantara is not just about moving buildings or work locations. The goal is to transform mindsets, work patterns and culture to enhance efficiency, speed, and ensure policy simplification.
“I’ve often said that in the future, it will be fast countries that outpace slow ones, not large countries defeating smaller ones. Fast countries will defeat slow countries,” he said.
The Head of State also stated that these changes are essential to develop an advanced Indonesian character and mentality. By doing so, he said, the nation will be better positioned to compete on the global stage.
“This is the spirit I hope you carry with you upon returning from Nusantara Capital. The drive to enhance governance and bureaucratic management within the TNI and Polri, ensuring both become increasingly professional,” the President remarked. (BPMI Setpres/DNS) (TGH/DNS) (RIF/RAS/EP)
