In a significant move, Indonesian President Joko Widodo convened his first cabinet meeting in Nusantara, the country's ambitious new capital project, on August 12, 2024. This historic gathering, held in the eagle-shaped state palace, symbolizes the administration's commitment to the $32 billion venture as Widodo prepares to conclude his tenure in October 2024.
Nusantara, meaning "archipelago" in Indonesian, represents a bold vision for Indonesia's future. Located on the island of Borneo, approximately 1,200 kilometers from Jakarta, the new capital aims to address several challenges facing the nation. Jakarta, currently sinking due to excessive groundwater extraction, struggles with congestion and overpopulation, prompting the need for this ambitious relocation.
Widodo, commonly known as Jokowi, emphasized the strategic importance of Nusantara:
"The new capital Nusantara is a canvas on which we can carve out the future. Not every country has the opportunity or ability to construct a new capital from zero."
The president highlighted Nusantara's potential to promote equitable development across Indonesia's vast archipelago. This move aims to redistribute economic activity, currently concentrated on Java island, which accounts for 58% of the country's GDP.
Despite facing challenges such as construction delays and limited foreign investment, the administration remains optimistic about Nusantara's prospects. The project, officially announced in 2019, is designed as a smart, sustainable city powered by renewable energy, with plans to house up to 1.5 million residents by 2045.
President-elect Prabowo Subianto, set to assume office on October 20, 2024, attended the meeting and expressed his commitment to the project. Subianto stated, "At the very least, I'll continue it, I'll complete it if it's possible," acknowledging the long-term nature of the endeavor.
The cabinet meeting, streamed live from a room with metallic-blue walls, focused on Nusantara's development and the transition to the next administration. This gathering underscores the project's significance in Indonesia's long-term strategic planning.
As Indonesia moves forward with this ambitious initiative, concerns have been raised about its environmental impact on Borneo's rainforests. However, the government maintains that Nusantara will be a carbon-neutral city, featuring extensive public transportation to reduce car dependency.
The relocation of Indonesia's capital represents a pivotal moment in the nation's history, aiming to address current challenges while positioning the country for future growth and development. As Jokowi's term concludes, the success of Nusantara will likely be a defining aspect of his legacy, with its continuation now in the hands of the incoming administration.