Jakarta. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said Wednesday that he had decided to not rush with the signing of the presidential decree on the new capital, even saying that there is a possibility for his successor Prabowo Subianto to ink the document.

Parts of the new capital Nusantara have taken shape following the construction of key facilities and government-related buildings. Construction for hotels, and a duty-free mall, among others, is also ongoing. Indonesia is now waiting for Jokowi to sign the presidential decree on Nusantara that would make the capital relocation even more official. 

According to Jokowi, it is best to wait until everything is ready, not just infrastructure-wise but also the human capital and other supporting facilities. 

“Everything must be ready. Signing a document only takes a second, but what matters the most is whether the new capital is ready or not. Because [once the presidential decree] is signed, we really have to move the capital [from Jakarta to Nusantara],” Jokowi told the press in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Jokowi is about to retire this October, and would pass the presidential baton to former army general Prabowo Subianto. 

“The furniture, electricity, human capital, supporting systems -- we have to take everything into account. This is not like moving house, which is already complicated enough. We are moving our capital. We need to make thorough calculations. It could be me or Prabowo who will ink the decree,” Jokowi said.

He added: “This is not just about moving people or goods. The logistics system, education, and healthcare facilities must be ready.” 

Jokowi has already begun working from Nusantara, although he is still making trips across the country.

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