Jokowi meets Blair, Masayoshi to discuss Indonesia’s new capital project

JAKARTA, Mar 1, 2020, ANTARA. President Joko Widodo met with Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son and Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair at the Jakarta Presidential Palace, to discuss the new capital project for the Republic of Indonesia, ANTARA reported.

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) received the two on the back terrace of the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta Friday for a veranda talk.

“We discussed two things. First, we talked about the financial team and population issues. I think those two things are very important to this project,” President Widodo said at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta.

The President then continued the meeting inside the Merdeka Palace accompanied by several ministers including the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Panjaitan.

Son and Blair were accompanied by several delegates.

After a meeting with President Widodo, Blair and Son accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Panjaitan held a press conference at the President’s Office.

Building a new capital city in Indonesia is not just about creating a new city, Blair said.

“But a capital city will be very special which is developed with a special emphasis on cleanliness, green, environmentally friendly, but also a capital that will enable the country’s overall economy to grow and develop,” he said.

There were various issues that still needed to be discussed, he admitted.

It was very pleasant to visit Indonesia, Blair admitted.

“We were certainly very impressed with the President and his commitment in this new project,” he said.

The new capital would be the first 21st century capital with new technology, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, and high technology, Son said.

“Every time we invest, we have to look at every company leader or its project. So here we have a fantastic leader in Indonesia. A fantastic team as a cabinet member and a fantastic citizen,” Son said.