Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Monday took a significant step towards the realization of his ambitious vision for a new capital city, holding the first cabinet meeting in Nusantara, the future capital currently under construction. This landmark event comes amidst ongoing challenges, including construction delays and funding issues, casting a shadow over the projected completion date of August 17, 2023, Indonesia’s Independence Day. Despite these setbacks, Jokowi remains optimistic about the megaproject, highlighting its potential as a modern metropolis. He emphasized the uniqueness of Nusantara, stating, “Not all countries have the opportunity, have the ability to build their capital starting from zero.” Jokowi envisions Nusantara as a green city, boasting, “The city is being built with the concept of a forest city, a jungle city, a city full of green” in eastern Borneo island. However, environmental groups have raised concerns about the potential impact of rapid development on the region’s vast rainforest, fearing it could accelerate deforestation.
In a show of continuity and commitment, Jokowi, who had already started working from Nusantara several weeks ago, invited a multitude of officials, including his successor Prabowo Subianto, to participate in the cabinet meeting. Prabowo, who will assume office in October, assured his commitment to the project, removing any doubt about his willingness to carry on Jokowi’s legacy. The move to relocate the capital from Jakarta, a megacity of 12 million people, was initiated by Jokowi in 2019 after experts warned of the city’s sinking due to overpopulation. While an official decree on the relocation could be delayed until after Prabowo’s inauguration, the newly elected leader expressed his unwavering support for the project. “I have said many times that I am determined to continue, if possible, to complete the project,” Prabowo stated. “I believe in three, four, five years, the capital city can function.”
On Monday, construction commenced on several key projects, including the vice presidential palace and various private buildings. However, Nusantara’s quest for crucial foreign investment remains a challenge. The government aims to fund 20% of the project with Jakarta’s support and has set a target of 100 trillion rupiah ($6.13 billion) in private investment by the end of 2024. As of Monday, however, only 56.2 trillion rupiah has been secured. The government’s long-term vision for Nusantara includes a population of 1.9 million by 2045. The ambitious megaproject, with its potential to reshape the Indonesian landscape, continues to face hurdles, but Jokowi’s unwavering commitment and Prabowo’s pledge to continue the project offer a glimmer of hope for the future of Nusantara.
