Heaptalk, Jakarta — The Garuda Palace in the Nusantara Capital (IKN) has drawn criticism on social media as its black, bat-like appearance diverges from expectations of its Garuda-inspired design.
In response, Minister of Public Works and Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono, who is also the Acting Head of the IKN Authority, stated that the Garuda Palace will eventually change color to green according to the initial design and will have a shiny appearance. However, the building must undergo an oxidation process first.
According to Nyoman Nuarta, the designer of the Garuda Palace, the building will eventually turn green similar to the Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) in Bali. Its surface will be coated with a liquid that, when exposed to oxidation, will change its color to green.
“According to Nyoman Nuarta, once it undergoes oxidation, it will turn green like GWK. It will be made of bronze coated with a liquid, and as it oxidizes, it will turn greener, similar to GWK,” Basuki explained at the Ministry of State Secretariat in Central Jakarta on Tuesday (08/06).
However, Basuki could not yet confirm how long the oxidation process would take. It is estimated to take as long as the GWK oxidation process.
Meanwhile, the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) delivered positive news regarding investment in Nusantara Capital. According to Ade Irfan Pulungan, Senior Expert at KSP, since President Jokowi began working in IKN, many investors have shown interest in investing in the new capital.
Jokowi’s presence at IKN is believed to facilitate direct supervision of the construction. This will encourage all parties to meet the set targets. Ade is confident that this will help Nusantara Capital become a reality soon, enabling more equitable development outside of Java.
