On August 17, 2024, Indonesia marked a significant milestone by celebrating its independence anniversary at the site of its planned new capital, Nusantara, for the first time. The event, commemorating 79 years since the end of Japanese rule in 1945, was a scaled-back affair due to ongoing challenges facing the ambitious $32 billion project.
The ceremony, attended by 1,300 guests instead of the initially planned 8,000, took place amidst partially constructed buildings and limited infrastructure. President Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, cited lodging and food supply constraints as reasons for the reduced attendance. Local community members and construction workers gathered under red umbrellas, symbolizing both the nation's colors and the ongoing work at the site.
One construction worker, Mulyana, shared his experience of working on a ministry office building used for the celebration. He described the challenges of 24-hour shifts and limited access, highlighting the ongoing efforts to build the new capital from the ground up.
Nusantara, located on the eastern side of Borneo island, approximately 1,200 km from Jakarta, represents a bold vision for Indonesia's future. The project aims to address issues of overcrowding and environmental concerns in the current capital while promoting more equitable development across the archipelago.
Despite facing setbacks, including construction delays and funding shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, President Jokowi has been working to boost confidence in the project. Recent months have seen groundbreaking ceremonies for hotels and office buildings, as well as the first cabinet meeting held in the new eagle-shaped state palace.
However, the ambitious timeline for the project may be subject to adjustment. The planned relocation of thousands of civil servants to Nusantara, originally scheduled for September 2024, could be postponed depending on the readiness of the new capital.
The incoming president, Prabowo Subianto, who attended the independence day ceremony, has pledged to continue the Nusantara project. This commitment suggests that the vision for a new capital will remain a priority in Indonesia's long-term development strategy.
While the celebration at Nusantara marked a historic moment, a parallel event was also held in Jakarta, featuring traditional music and dance performances. This dual celebration underscores the transitional phase as Indonesia looks towards its future while honoring its past.
As Nusantara continues to take shape, it embodies Indonesia's aspirations for a smart, sustainable city powered by renewable energy and featuring advanced public transportation systems. The project, covering an area of about 256,000 hectares, aims to become a hub for diplomacy, innovation, and economic growth while incorporating elements of Indonesian culture and biodiversity.
The journey to realizing Nusantara as Indonesia's new capital faces numerous challenges, but the independence day celebration at the site demonstrates the government's commitment to this transformative vision for the nation's future.