The 79th Anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence on August 17, 2024, will be very special. Besides being held at two locations in Jakarta and the new capital city (IKN), this grand event will feature a special theme.

Key Points:

• "We aim to assess the preparations for the 79th Independence Day. Observing directly allows us to confirm everything is in order,"Quote by Usman 
• "Currently, almost 100% of the Presidential Palace and Nusantara Palace, as well as essential infrastructure like water systems, are complete." Quote by Usman

Courtesy Source: https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/

"New Nusantara, Advancing Indonesia. A historical milestone towards an advanced Indonesia," said Usman Kansong, Director General of Public Information and Communication at the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kemenkominfo), at the IKN area on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.

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In Balikpapan, as of Thursday, August 8, 2024, banners with the message "New Nusantara, Advancing Indonesia" have started appearing along major roads, as Balikpapan is the closest city to the IKN area.

Usman clarified that the 79th Independence Day celebration at IKN on August 17, 2024, does not imply that all construction in IKN is complete. He explained that IKN’s development is phased, with five stages planned, and is expected to be fully completed by 2045. Currently, nearly 100% of the Presidential Palace and Nusantara Palace, along with basic infrastructure such as water systems, are ready.

He also highlighted that the theme "New Nusantara, Advancing Indonesia" reflects the transformation process of having IKN in East Kalimantan, demonstrating Indonesia’s central focus. Furthermore, IKN is envisioned as a future smart forest city, with a more efficient bureaucracy and as a testament to the achievements of Indonesian craftsmanship.

Courtesy Source: RRI IKN/Elpidus K Mau

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"This is a palace built by Indonesians themselves, except for the Tampak Siring Palace in Bali," Usman said.

To prepare for the celebration, the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Kemenko Polhukam) and Kemenkominfo hosted a visit to IKN by national media leaders on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. The event was organized to observe the preparations for the 79th Independence Day ceremony at IKN on August 17, 2024.

"We want to see the readiness for the 79th Independence Day. Seeing is believing, so we can see it firsthand," he added.