Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs emphasises strengthening the IKN defence system as a priority

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago emphasised that the strengthening of the defence and security system in the Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN) is a priority to guarantee the stability of the new central government. He said physical development must progress in tandem with strengthening the defence and security system, as well as digital infrastructure and cyber security. “The Ibu Kota Nusantara is a place that will be a source of pride for all of us, with a fairly large area; here will be a good government centre supported by an advanced defence and security system for the nation’s interests,” he said in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday. The assertion was made as he inspected the progress of IKN development in Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan, on Tuesday (3/3). During the visit, he inspected the State Palace, the Ministry Complex, and the offices of the coordinating ministries to ensure the readiness of infrastructure and its supporting systems. He said the government facilities built meet standards to support phased deployment of civil servants, with adequate basic facilities. “The buildings already meet standards of a decent life; hopefully soon, perhaps from the ministries that already have ready personnel, some may be able to move in and be present here, because all facilities are available—from housing, hospitals, schools, even markets and an airport are also here,” he said. Djamari stressed that cross-ministerial and agency coordination is the key to building an integrated security system, covering territorial protection, social stability, and protection of national strategic infrastructure. He also noted that the existence of IKN should have a positive impact on East Kalimantan, while maintaining regional stability as part of national interest. The government, he said, will ensure that the development of the defence and security system in IKN is integrated so that the new centre of government can operate safely, effectively and sustainably. To this end, the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs hopes the Head of the IKN Authority Basuki Hadimuljono would stay in good health to complete his duties at IKN, and that the presence of IKN will also benefit the East Kalimantan Provincial Government. At the event, the Coordinating Minister also planted a Nyatoh tree (Palaquium Rostratum) in the hope that it would grow and beautify the IKN environment. Accompanying the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs were East Kalimantan Governor Rudy Mas’ud, Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Lieutenant General Mochammad Hasan, VI/Mulawarman Military Commander Major General Krido Pramono, Deputy Head of Poldagri for the Ministry of Political, Legal and Security Affairs Major General (ret.) Heri Wiranto, East Kalimantan Police Chief Brigadier General Adrianto Jossy Kusumo, Dhomber Balikpapan Air Base Commander Colonel Kisworo, and other related officials.