Jakarta. Bambang Susantono, the head of the Nusantara Authority, has announced that Stanford University is considering establishing a research center in the upcoming Indonesian capital.

"We aim to establish a research center in partnership with Stanford alumni initially, considering the intricacies associated with the construction of a university," explained Bambang following a private meeting with President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Bambang shared that Stanford University's interest in building a research center in IKN has been progressing since their leadership expressed the desire to build during a visit in September 2023.

He noted that the construction of Stanford University's research center in IKN is scheduled to begin soon, along with the establishment of several other nearby universities.

In November, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo visited Stanford University, renowned for housing 36 Nobel laureates. During the visit, he highlighted Indonesia's achievement in reducing emissions by 91.5 million tons in 2022, coupled with the successful containment of deforestation, which was limited to 104,000 hectares.

Earlier this month, Jokowi inspected the construction site, hinting at the possibility of relocating to the new national capital as early as July, contingent upon the completion of crucial infrastructure projects.

The comprehensive development of the "smart and green" capital city is anticipated to conclude by 2045, coinciding with the country's centennial anniversary.