Jakarta will remain the nation's economic center despite the relocation of the national capital to Nusantara, East Kalimantan, in the near future, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan has affirmed.

 

"The National Capital Bill has been finalized into law, but it is clear that Jakarta will remain the nation's economic center (in the future)," he said after attending a public dialogue at a hotel in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Saturday.

 

The governor further said he is convinced that Jakarta will remain the center for various sectors in Indonesia despite no longer serving as the national capital.

 

"Jakarta will remain as the center of cultural activities and a knot that unites the Indonesian nation, this is a certainty," he remarked.

 

Baswedan, who earlier served as the rector of Jakarta-based Paramadina University, affirmed that development in Jakarta would continue as the city will remain the nation's economic center.

 

"Despite the central government relocating to East Kalimantan, we will continue developing Jakarta. We are also striving to address existing issues that Jakarta has," the governor said.

 

Baswedan, whose term as Jakarta Governor ends in October this year, reiterated his commitment to serving until the end of his term.

 

"For my last eight months, the focus will be ensuring all plans and policies are completed. My current focus is 100 percent for Jakarta," he remarked.

 

The House of Representatives (DPR RI) ratified the National Capital Bill into law during a plenary session on January 18, 2022.

 

Next, President Joko Widodo is expected to issue a presidential regulation on the governing authority of the new national capital and appoint the new capital authority head and deputy head by two months of the bill's passing at the latest. (Antaranews)

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