Resumption of Residential Construction for Civil Servants in the New Capital Post-Eid al-Fitr 2024: Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR) Pushes for Timely Completion Ahead of Indonesia’s 79th Independence Day Celebrations
In the wake of the Eid al-Fitr holiday in 2024, the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR) has reignited efforts to construct residential units for Civil Servants (ASN) in the New Capital. The renewed vigor encompasses various development targets, including the timely completion of apartment complexes (Rusun) and Ministerial Residence Plots (RTJM), in addition to essential infrastructure, all slated to be operational before Indonesia’s 79th Independence Day celebration in August 2024.
In a statement released on Monday (22/4/2024), Iwan Suprijanto, Director-General of Housing at the Ministry of PUPR, remarked, “Following the recent extended holiday, residential construction activities in the New Capital have resumed. Construction workers are back on-site, endeavoring to finalize crucial infrastructure and housing projects.”
Suprijanto emphasized his routine visits to the New Capital for continuous monitoring and evaluation of housing development progress in the burgeoning city. He expressed optimism that the recent prolonged break would rejuvenate construction workers and Ministry of PUPR personnel stationed in the New Capital, inspiring them to meet the ambitious targets set for this project.
The completed residential units in the New Capital encompass various types, including Phase I Worker Housing (HPK) units consisting of 22 four-story towers capable of accommodating approximately 10,700 workers. Additionally, Ministerial Residence Plots (RTJM) are currently at an 80% completion rate. While some residences have been furnished, others are undergoing final finishing touches.
Furthermore, construction is underway for 47 towers intended for Civil Servants and military/police personnel, in the form of apartment complexes (Rusun). These vertical structures comprise two podium floors for public and social facilities, alongside 10 residential floors. It is anticipated that 12 of these towers will be finalized and operational in the coming months.
“We have successfully completed and fully occupied the Worker Housing (HPK) units, which are now managed and utilized by skilled workers involved in the development of the New Capital,” stated Suprijanto. “As for the Ministerial Residence Plots (RTJM), those already completed serve as tangible symbols of hope and optimism, demonstrating that the development of the New Capital is progressing well. This is in addition to the completion of apartment complexes intended for the relocation of Civil Servants and military/police personnel, further supporting the upcoming celebration of Indonesia’s Independence Day,” he added.
Previously, the Nusantara Capital Region Authority (IKN) had forged a cooperation agreement with the Federal District Government of Brasília, Brazil. This collaboration aims to facilitate knowledge exchange and cooperation between the two new capital cities.
Bambang Susantono, Head of the IKN Authority, stated, “As the new capital of Brazil, Brasília boasts extensive experience in overcoming various challenges associated with establishing a new economic and political hub within the country. These invaluable experiences can serve as a guiding light for the development of the New Capital.”
During the recent meeting, both parties reached agreements for enhanced and more tangible cooperation between the two cities. Governor of Brasília, Ibaneis Rocha, shared insights from his experience in building Brasília. Apart from urban development, mutual cooperation was agreed upon in areas such as smart city development, environmental initiatives, infrastructure enhancement, resilient and inclusive community building, as well as climate change mitigation and urban planning.
A delegation from the IKN Authority embarked on a visit to Brasília to engage in various collaborative activities with the Brazilian government. These activities included studying Brasília’s relocation history and urban planning, as well as addressing challenges in urban development management, including urban settlement and transportation.
The delegation also engaged with academics, including those from the University of Brasília, to gain additional perspectives on the establishment of new cities. This visit coincided with Brazil’s commemoration of 64 years since the relocation of its capital from Rio de Janeiro to Brasília in April 1960. Brasília’s six-decade journey of development is considered a treasure trove of knowledge that can offer valuable insights for the development of the New Capital.
This collaboration aligns with the deepening bilateral relations between Indonesia and Brazil, with Brazil hosting the G20 Summit this year. Paco Britto, Secretary-General of International Relations of Brasília, affirmed Brasília’s readiness to support the development of the New Capital. “For Brasília, this collaboration is of utmost importance, especially as our government is currently spearheading the rejuvenation of Brasília on its 64th anniversary,” he remarked. “Hence, both city governments can exchange invaluable experiences and collaborate in building two monumental cities while addressing contemporary urban challenges,” he concluded.
