JAKARTADAILY.ID – President Joko Widodo extended an invitation to Singaporean investors to invest in Indonesia, particularly in the development of the Indonesian Capital City (IKN).
Assuring the investors, Jokowi emphasized that the progress of the National Capital City, known as IKN, would remain secure regardless of the outcome of the 2024 General Election for President and Vice President (Pilpres).
The President conveyed this message during his speech at the Ecosperity Week 2023 forum held at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore on Wednesday. The event saw the participation of investors, government officials, and academics who gathered to discuss sustainable development and investment opportunities.
In a light-hearted opening to his speech, President Jokowi playfully asked the audience about their predictions for the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Prompted by laughter from the attendees, he quickly corrected himself, stating, "Ah, sorry, wrong script. I apologize for the mistake in this script, even though I know you are all quite curious about that. Sorry." The moment brought a light-hearted atmosphere to the forum, as captured in the broadcast of the speech uploaded by the official YouTube channel of the Presidential Secretariat.
President Jokowi went on to express his confidence that Singapore's partners understood that regardless of the future leadership in Indonesia, the focus would remain on propelling the country to become a prominent Asian power. He reassured the investors, saying, "So, everything will be fine, no need to worry. Your investment in Indonesia will be safe, as well as the continued development of the Archipelago's Capital."
During his address, the President also highlighted the various concepts promoted by IKN Nusantara, which encompasses the development of a world-class smart city integrated with natural surroundings. With 65 percent of the city designated as forests, IKN Nusantara aims to become Indonesia's first carbon-neutral city, equipped with top-tier education and healthcare facilities.
Adding a touch of humor to his speech, President Jokowi remarked on the soaring housing prices in Singapore and suggested that the audience might consider Nusantara as a potential future living destination. "Archipelago will be a comfortable city to live in and do business. I know the price of settlements here has skyrocketed; maybe living in the archipelago can be an option," he jested.
President Jokowi's attendance at Ecosperity Week 2023 aimed to promote Indonesian investment, with a specific focus on energy transition, green infrastructure, and the development of the National Archipelago's IKN.
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Following the forum, President Jokowi, accompanied by Mrs. Iriana, is scheduled to meet Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Mrs. Ho Ching at the Singapore Palace.
Subsequently, the President will embark on a working visit to Malaysia, where he will meet with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah. The visit to Malaysia will provide an opportunity for President Jokowi to conclude several long-standing negotiations, including those related to border issues and the protection of Indonesian migrant workers (PMI).
President Joko Widodo is set to return to Indonesia on Thursday evening, following his engagements in Singapore and Malaysia.
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