Underwater Tunnel to Connect Balikpapan to indonesia’s New Capital
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Collaboration with South Korea
The immersed tunnel project will be a collaborative effort between Indonesia and South Korea, a nation with meaningful experience in constructing immersed tunnels.South Korea successfully completed a similar project in Geoje, Busan, lending valuable expertise to the Nusantara endeavor.Sustainable Development at the Forefront
The development of Nusantara is guided by three core principles: nature, technology, and environmental sustainability, as outlined in Law No. 3 of 2022 concerning the nusantara Master Plan. The immersed tunnel is a prime example of this commitment, seamlessly integrating infrastructure development with the preservation of the natural habitat. Nusantara’s development emphasizes a harmonious balance between its natural ecology, physical environment, and social systems. Careful planning aims to mitigate the potential negative impacts of urbanization and extreme weather, safeguarding against risks such as flooding and water shortages.## Bridging the Gap: An interview on Nusantara’s Underwater Tunnel
**Archyde:** mr. hadimuljono, thank you for joining us today. The declaration of the completed feasibility study for an underwater tunnel connecting Balikpapan to Nusantara has generated notable excitement. can you provide some insight into the impetus behind this ambitious project?
**Basuki Hadimuljono:** Certainly. This immersed tunnel is a key component of the Nusantara toll road project, designed to drastically reduce travel times between Balikpapan and Nusantara. Currently,the journey takes approximately 30 minutes,but with the tunnel,we aim to make it even quicker and more efficient.Furthermore, opting for an immersed tunnel, as opposed to a bridge, demonstrates Indonesia’s commitment to sustainable advancement and the preservation of balikpapan Bay’s delicate ecosystem.
**Archyde:** Speaking of sustainability, Nusantara’s development is guided by a strong focus on nature, technology, and environmental sustainability. How does this underwater tunnel embody those core principles?
**Basuki Hadimuljono:** The tunnel perfectly exemplifies this commitment. By going underwater, we minimize our impact on the bay’s unique flora and fauna, including endangered species like the proboscis monkey.
**Archyde:** Collaboration with South Korea, with its experience in constructing immersed tunnels, has been highlighted. Could you elaborate on the nature of this partnership and its significance for the project?
**Basuki Hadimuljono:** We are lucky to be collaborating with South korea, a nation with a proven track record in immersed tunnel construction. Their expertise, gained from successful projects like the Geoje tunnel in Busan, will be invaluable to ensure the Nusantara tunnel’s success.
**Archyde:** This project marks a significant step in Nusantara’s development. As indonesia embarks on this ambitious venture, what message do you hope to convey to the international community?
**Basuki Hadimuljono:** This project demonstrates Indonesia’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and collaboration. It’s a message of progress and a testament to our vision of a future where development and environmental preservation go hand in hand.
**Archyde:** Looking ahead, what are the next steps in the tunnel’s development, and what is the anticipated timeframe for completion?
**Basuki Hadimuljono:** Design work is slated to begin immediately, with completion targeted for next year. Following that, construction is expected to take approximately two years.
**Archyde:** This project offers exciting possibilities for connectivity and growth. Do you think projects like this could serve as a model for other developing nations seeking to balance infrastructure development with environmental sustainability? [[1](https://archyde.com/underwater-tunnel-to-connect-balikpapan-to-indonesias-new-capital/)]
## Bridging the Gap: An interview on Nusantara’s Underwater Tunnel
**Archyde:** Mr. Hadimuljono, thank you for joining us today. The declaration of the completed feasibility study for the underwater tunnel connecting Balikpapan to Nusantara is certainly exciting news. Could you shed some light on the impetus behind this ambitious project?
**Hadimuljono:** Thank you for having me. This tunnel is a crucial piece of the Nusantara progress puzzle. As you know, we’re aiming to create a truly world-class capital, both in terms of functionality and sustainability. The tunnel will not only significantly reduce travel time between Balikpapan and Nusantara, but it will also minimize the impact on Balikpapan Bay’s fragile ecosystem compared to a bridge construction.
**Archyde:** Speaking of the environment, can you elaborate on how the immersed tunnel design aligns with Nusantara’s commitment to lasting development and environmental protection?
**Hadimuljono:** Absolutely. The tunnel project is a prime example of our commitment to harmony between development and nature. This type of construction minimizes disturbance to the bay’s seabed and marine life. Furthermore, it’s designed to withstand the potential effects of climate change, including rising sea levels.
**Archyde:** This project is quite complex. Can you tell us a bit about the timeline for construction and the expertise involved?
**hadimuljono:**
The feasibility study is now complete, and we’re moving forward with the design phase. Our goal is to have the design finalized within the next year, with construction commencing shortly after. We’re lucky to have South Korea as a collaborative partner in this endeavor.They have considerable experiance with immersed tunnels, having successfully completed a similar project in Geoje. Their expertise will be invaluable to us.
**Archyde:** This project sounds incredibly innovative and forward-thinking. What message do you hope this endeavor sends to the world about Nusantara and Indonesia’s vision for the future?
**Hadimuljono:** we hope this project will demonstrate Indonesia’s commitment to sustainable and innovative development. Nusantara is not simply a new capital city; it’s a testament to our ambition to build a brighter future for Indonesia and the planet. The immersed tunnel symbolizes our desire to create a harmonious balance between progress and environmental protection.
**Archyde:** Thank you, Mr. hadimuljono, for sharing yoru insights with us today.
**Hadimuljono:** It was my pleasure. we look forward to keeping the world updated on the progress of this exciting project.
