Indonesian leader starts working in new capital despite construction work and lack of facilities
Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who intends to spend his last few months of his presidency in the country’s ambitious new capital, has begun to work from the new presidential palace there, despite the continuing construction work and lack of first-class facilities
PENAJAM PASER UTARA, Indonesia (AP) — Outgoing Indonesian President Joko Widodo started work Monday from the new presidential palace in his country's ambitious new capital, where he intends to spend the last few months of his presidency.
“Today I have started receiving officials for meetings here, in the president’s office,” Widodo told reporters at the new presidential palace, as authorities race to complete other key infrastructure projects in the future capital city of Nusantara before Independence Day celebrations next month. The capital, also known as IKN, is located in East Kalimantan province on the island of Borneo.
Widodo said his first agenda item on Monday was a meeting with executives of the Nusantara development authority. He is also scheduled to meet with provincial leaders.
To facilitate the move, the presidential secretariat is preparing all the necessary furniture for the presidential office, including tables, chairs and lighting, while the supply of clean water, electricity and internet is “all running well,” Widodo said.
