Nusantara: Shaping Indonesia’s Future
eyesonindonesia
On August 12, 2024, Indonesian President Joko Widodo held his first cabinet meeting in the nation’s future capital of Nusantara. The city, located in Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan, is still under construction and faces doubts about the sustainability of this ambitious megaproject.
President Widodo has been working from Nusantara for the past two weeks, using an office inside the construction site of the massive new palace shaped like the mythical eagle, Garuda—the symbol of Indonesia. Despite the challenges, Widodo emphasized that the $33 billion construction effort will be worthwhile. His successor, President-elect Prabowo Subianto, expressed optimism that the new capital would function well within five years.
The government aims to pay only 20% of the budget, relying heavily on private sector investment for key infrastructure and public facilities. Earlier this month, Widodo granted investors incentives, including land rights of up to 190 years, to attract investment. The relocation of the capital from Jakarta to Nusantara began in mid-2022, driven by Jakarta’s pollution, congestion, seismic vulnerability, and land subsidence1234. 🇮🇩
1. A Bold Move: Relocating the Capital
Indonesia’s decision to move its capital from Jakarta to Nusantara marks a historic shift. Jakarta, plagued by congestion, pollution, and sinking land, has long struggled to meet the needs of its growing population. The move to Borneo represents a bold step toward a more sustainable and resilient future.
2. Designing for Sustainability
Nusantara’s design prioritizes sustainability. Surrounded by hilly landscapes, forests, and a natural bay, the city aims to harmonize with its environment. Green spaces, efficient public transportation, and eco-friendly infrastructure will reduce the ecological footprint. As a model for sustainable urban planning, Nusantara can inspire other cities across Indonesia and beyond.
3. Empowering Local Communities
The construction of Nusantara engaged around 150,000 to 200,000 workers from across Indonesia, with additional local participation. By empowering local communities, the city fosters a sense of ownership and pride. As Nusantara grows, it must continue to involve its diverse population in decision-making, ensuring inclusivity and equitable development.
4. Cultural Fusion and Innovation
Nusantara’s location on Borneo, historically known as the “outer islands,” reflects Indonesia’s archipelagic identity. The city can become a melting pot of cultures, traditions, and ideas. By promoting creativity, innovation, and cross-cultural exchange, Nusantara can shape Indonesia’s future as a dynamic hub for arts, technology, and commerce.
Outlook: A Vision Realized
As Nusantara takes shape, it embodies the Wawasan Nusantara—the vision of Indonesia as an interconnected archipelago. By addressing urban challenges, embracing sustainability, empowering communities, and celebrating diversity, Nusantara has the potential to redefine Indonesia’s trajectory. Let us watch as this new capital unfolds, inspiring hope and progress for generations to come. 🌟🇮🇩1234
1: The history of Nusantara, name chosen for Indonesia’s new capital city 2: Nusantara (city) – Wikipedia 3: A tale of two cities: why Indonesia is planning a new capital on Borneo and abandoning Jakarta 4: Indonesia picks Borneo island as site of new capital – BBC News
