APEKSI supports the central government’s program regarding the construction of the National Capital City (IKN) in East Kalimantan.
This was emphasized by the Chairman of APEKSI Bima Arya in the APEKSI Outlook in Balikpapan City, East Kalimantan, Sunday (18/12/2022).
Bima Arya assessed that moving IKN from Jakarta or Java Island to Kalimantan was a bold and visionary step.
“Leaders must be brave and have a vision. It is not easy to make a policy that may not be popular at the time but in the future will have extraordinary long-term impacts on the nation and state. It is not easy in the midst of today’s complex issues to think far ahead,” said Bima Arya.
“Therefore, we Mayors of all Indonesia who are present at kilometer 0 of the IKN agree to fully support the development of the IKN in Kalimantan,” said the Mayor of Bogor.
Bima Arya explained, moving the IKN was not just moving the government capital, but being part of Indonesia’s big effort to transform Indonesia’s economy and equitable development.
“This is the best momentum to shift the epicenter of Indonesia, the center of the archipelago’s civilization from Java Island to Kalimantan, which has been dreamed of by all elements of the nation from time to time. In fact, from the time of President Soekarno. The dream of all the nation’s children when development is evenly distributed. This IKN is a symbol, this IKN is a gesture of extraordinary political will,” he explained.
APEKSI believes that this IKN will have an impact on cities on the island of Kalimantan. “If IKN is the nerve, then Samarinda, Balikpapan are the heart and all cities in Kalimantan are the arteries or vessels. Everything will live and move and get healthier in the future,” said Bima.
Another reason why APEKSI supports the development of this IKN, is that this IKN is a symbol of a modern city that is environmentally friendly, sustainable and an inclusive city.