Indonesian govt rushes to finish new airport ahead of Nusantara launch

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo inspects on June 5, 2024, the location to be used for the commemoration of Indonesia’s 79th Independence Day celebration in the Nusantara Capital City (IKN), the country’s future capital city located in East Kalimantan. - Jakarta Post/ANN

JAKARTA (Jakarta Post/ANN): The government is rushing to finish a new airport for the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) ahead of the city’s inauguration, but experts warn the breakneck pace could compromise safety and quality.

Nusantara Airport, initially designated to serve only important guests of the state, is slated for completion by Aug. 1 with a trial run in July, according to Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi, just in time for an inauguration that will coincide with Independence Day on Aug 17.