Nusantara Development Advances as Indonesia’s President Widodo Emphasizes Sustainability

 

Indonesian President Joko Widodo recently held his first Cabinet meeting in Nusantara, the future capital of Indonesia, amidst ongoing construction and concerns about the project's feasibility. President Widodo has been operating from Nusantara for the past two weeks, using an office located at the construction site of the new presidential palace, designed in the shape of the Garuda, a mythical eagle and national symbol of Indonesia. The city is set to host its inaugural Indonesian Independence Day celebration in just under a week.

The decision to move Indonesia’s capital from Jakarta to Nusantara has sparked significant debate. President Widodo, alongside President-elect Prabowo Subianto, affirmed their commitment to the $33 billion mega-project, despite its controversy. "The Nusantara capital is a canvas that carves the future. Not all countries have the opportunity and the ability to build their capital city starting from zero,” Widodo stated. Subianto echoed this sentiment, assuring his administration would continue the development once they took office on October 20. "We will definitely finish it, although the outline plan is dozens of years long, like other capital cities also took a very long time. We should not force it, but I am optimistic that in five years I think it will function very well," he remarked.

On Monday, August 12, 2024, groundbreaking ceremonies took place for the Vice-Presidential palace and several privately funded buildings. The government has committed to funding only 20% of the projected $3 billion budget, heavily relying on private sector investment to develop essential infrastructure and public facilities. President Widodo recently announced incentives to attract investors, including land rights for up to 190 years in the new capital.

Construction of Nusantara began in mid-2022, following President Widodo's declaration to relocate the capital from Jakarta, which faces challenges such as pollution, congestion, earthquake susceptibility, and rapid subsidence. Officials envision Nusantara as a futuristic green city focused on forests, parks, renewable energy, and smart waste management, spanning approximately 2,600 square kilometers (1,000 square miles). “Cool air, clean air, as we dream of that we want a green capital city, be it its energy, electric vehicles, environment, air and everything,” Widodo expressed to reporters.

However, the project has faced criticism from environmentalists and Indigenous communities, who argue it degrades the environment, reduces habitats for endangered species like orangutans, and displaces Indigenous people who depend on the land for their livelihoods. The construction in Borneo’s jungle has raised concerns about environmental degradation and the impact on local communities, highlighting the tension between development and conservation.