Jokowi hopes for Singapore investments in education, healthcare in Indonesia’s new capital
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Loading... - Joseph Ling
- 18 Apr 2023
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Indonesian President Joko Widodo stressed that it is important for the two neighbours to explore new areas of economic growth.ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
Indonesia plans to build first-class hospitals and universities in its new capital city that is being developed in Borneo, and President Joko Widodo hopes Singapore investors will partner his country on this front. Speaking to The Straits Times on Wednesday ahead of his meeting with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in Singapore for their regular leaders’ retreat on Thursday, Mr Widodo outlined his plans for the flagship project, known as Nusantara.
The development is envisioned as a sustainable, smart city to relieve Jakarta’s overcrowding and congestion issues. Some government ministries and institutions will be relocating there in phases from 2024. Mr Widodo stressed that it is important for the two neighbours with “very long and close relations” to explore new areas of economic growth, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Singapore is the most important partner for Indonesia,” he said. “The relationship between Singapore and Indonesia is very good and must be continued and improved in the future. “We hope investments in Nusantara can become the focus.”
The 2,561 sq km project, about three times the size of Singapore, is estimated to cost 466 trillion rupiah (S$41 billion). The state will bear 20 per cent of the costs, while Indonesia hopes the private sector will foot the rest. Read More…
