12-8-2024 (NUSANTARA) In a symbolic move that underscores his commitment to Indonesia’s ambitious relocation project, President Joko Widodo, widely known as Jokowi, convened his first cabinet meeting in the nation’s future capital, Nusantara, on Monday. This milestone event took place despite the US$32-billion megaproject running behind schedule and much of the city remaining under construction.
Originally slated for inauguration on Indonesia’s Independence Day, August 17, Nusantara’s development has been hampered by building delays and funding challenges. Nevertheless, Jokowi remained optimistic about the project, which is expected to reach full completion by 2045.
“Not all countries have the opportunity or ability to build their capital starting from zero,” Jokowi remarked, emphasising the unique nature of the undertaking. He went on to describe the vision for Nusantara as “a forest city, a jungle city, a city full of green” situated in eastern Borneo.
However, this grand vision has not been without its critics. Environmentalists have voiced concerns that the rapid development of the new capital could accelerate deforestation in one of the world’s largest stretches of tropical rainforest.
The cabinet meeting, attended by dozens of officials including President-elect Prabowo Subianto, served as a clear signal of the government’s determination to press ahead with the project. Prabowo, set to take office in October, pledged to continue the development of Nusantara, allaying fears about the project’s future under new leadership.
“I have said many times that I am determined to continue, if possible, to complete the project,” Prabowo stated, projecting that “in three, four, five years, the capital city can function.”
The relocation plan, resurrected by Jokowi shortly after taking office in 2019, was prompted by warnings from experts about the sinking of Jakarta, the current capital and a megacity of 12 million inhabitants.
While ground was broken on several key projects on Monday, including the vice presidential palace and various private buildings, Nusantara has struggled to attract the crucial foreign investment needed to fully realise its ambitious goals.
The Indonesian government aims to fund 20 per cent of Nusantara’s development, with hopes of securing 100 trillion rupiah (US$6.13 billion) in private investment by the end of 2024. However, Jokowi revealed that to date, only 56.2 trillion rupiah had been received.
Despite these challenges, the government maintains its vision of Nusantara hosting 1.9 million residents by 2045.
