Indonesia Inaugurates New Capital Nusantara Amid Challenges and Environmental Concerns

Indonesia is in the process of inaugurating its new capital, Nusantara, coinciding with the country’s independence day. The ambitious project, set in the heart of a Borneo rainforest, is aimed at relocating the capital from the overcrowded and sinking Jakarta. Despite the vision, the construction of Nusantara faces significant challenges, including unfinished key infrastructure projects and a shortfall in private investment. Indonesian President Joko Widodo has introduced new incentives to attract more funding, with the transition expected to unfold over decades. The move to Nusantara is driven by necessity, aiming to alleviate Jakarta’s congestion and environmental issues, while also aspiring to create a sustainable, forest city.

• Indonesia is inaugurating its new capital, Nusantara, aligning with the country’s independence day celebrations.
• The project, announced in late 2019 and started in 2022, aims to build a city from scratch in a Borneo rainforest.
• With a budget of around 30 billion Euros, the government relies on private investment for the majority of funding.
• Construction delays and incomplete infrastructure are significant hurdles as the city’s inauguration approaches.
• President Joko Widodo has introduced incentives, including land leases up to 190 years, to encourage investment.
• The move aims to address Jakarta’s issues like overcrowding, pollution, and the risk of sinking due to climate change and groundwater extraction.
• Nusantara is envisioned as a sustainable, forest city, promoting environmental friendliness and carbon neutrality by 2050.
• Concerns exist about the environmental impact, including potential harm to wildlife and displacement of indigenous communities.
• Despite challenges, there is optimism for Nusantara to function effectively within five years, with the transition expected to take decades.

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