Nusantara, the future capital city of Indonesia, is set to be inaugurated on the country’s Independence Day, replacing Jakarta. Jakarta, plagued by traffic jams and sinking due to unregulated groundwater extraction, prompted the move to Nusantara on Borneo island. President Joko Widodo announced the plan in 2019, aiming for economic equality and justice. However, some have questioned the project’s feasibility.
Some concerns include the disconnection from civil society and the need for vast amounts of money. Despite challenges, the government plans to relocate civil servants and build infrastructure to support the new capital. The goal is for Nusantara to be sustainable, drawing energy from renewable sources and promoting alternative modes of transportation.
The project is divided into five phases, with the first phase expected to be completed by 2045. Foreign investments are crucial for the capital’s development, raising questions about the nationalist rhetoric surrounding the project. Environmentalists also express concerns about the impact on forests and biodiversity in the region.
Just before the inauguration, key officials resigned, citing personal reasons. President Jokowi remains positive about the project’s progress, with the cabinet holding its first meeting in Nusantara. The next president, Prabowo Subianto, will play a significant role in overseeing the completion of the remaining phases of the massive infrastructure project.
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