The Indonesian Government has broken ground on its new capital city Nusantara’s (IKN) airport located in North Penajam Paser Regency, East Kalimantan province.

The ground-breaking ceremony was led by the country's president Joko Widodo.

The airport is being constructed with a budget of Rp4.3tn ($0.26bn) and is designed to encompass an area of 347ha.

The airport’s runway is to measure 3,000m x 45m and be spacious enough to accommodate and serve wide-body aircraft.

Widodo said: “This airport is essential. The more activities in IKN, the higher the mobility of people and goods to IKN.”

“I am certain that IKN Airport will increase its competitiveness, boost economic growth, promote potential development in the regions, and accelerate the ongoing development of IKN.”

He added: “It will also be equipped with a terminal with an area of 7,350m², so passengers can be served well and conveniently.

“It is aimed to be fully operated in December 2024, but it will have been ready to operate in June 2024.”

In August this year, the government set aside Rp40.6tn in its 2024 budget for its new capital city.

The government also broke ground on several other projects in the capital, including a hospital, school, and hotel.

Widodo has announced plans to commence work on another nine projects next month.