VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOINews, Jakarta - Head of the Nusantara Capital City Authority (OIKN) Bambang Susantono, described this year's Independence Day commemoration at IKN as a precursor to next year's ceremony, which is expected to be led by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).

"Today's ceremony is an initiation to next year's ceremony, which, hopefully, will be led directly by the President at the State Palace at IKN Nusantara,"  said Susantono who presided over the 78th Independence Day ceremony at IKN Nusantara, Samarinda, East Kalimantan, on Thursday.

He said he was grateful for the solemn ceremony that was attended by several elements of the community, including the management of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin).

"This ceremony was held by OIKN and Kadin," he added.

The collaboration between OIKN and Kadin in organizing the Independence Day ceremony at IKN this year was meant to demonstrate their commitment to building the new national capital.

OIKN and Kadin have both committed to making Indonesia the world's fourth-largest economic power, and one which is inclusive and united. They have also agreed to work together for realizing the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision.

Susantono said that his side is striving to strengthen the country's food and health sector and achieve the zero percent emission target.

He expressed the hope that Thursday's ceremony would be an inspiration to achieve the development targets at IKN as several private firms will start construction next month.

According to him, there will be physical buildings — not only government buildings, but also public facilities — that would be used during next year's ceremony at IKN Nusantara.

The ceremony at IKN Nusantara on Thursday was held in conjunction with the ceremony at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta. President Widodo is looking forward to leading the Independence Day ceremony at IKN Nusantara on August 17, 2024.  (Antaranews)