Indonesia’s newly inaugurated leader, Prabowo Subianto, has provided an insightful update on the ambitious plans for Nusantara, the extraordinary new capital city his country is currently building amid a growing crisis in Jakarta.
The existing capital, Jakarta, is grappling with alarming rates of subsidence and is recognized as one of the fastest-sinking cities globally, with projections indicating that a third of its land area may be submerged underwater by the year 2050.
In response to this environmental crisis, Indonesia is making significant strides in constructing Nusantara, a city that will be situated on the island’s picturesque east coast, surrounded by rolling hills, verdant forests, and a stunning bay, thus offering a striking contrast to the crowded and chaotic atmosphere of Jakarta.
This remarkable £27 billion city is designed to be an eco-friendly “smart” urban center, which has already sparked considerable migration, with families making the daunting move of approximately 1,200 miles to the Borneo region in search of new opportunities.
Having officially commenced construction in August 2022, the ambitious $32 billion project is now boasting over 80% completion, signifying rapid progress in its development and offering hope to citizens seeking stability.
Nusantara is strategically located 745 miles from Jakarta, which is currently a sprawling metropolis that houses over 10 million inhabitants, but is plagued by unstable and swampy land conditions that threaten its infrastructure.
Under the leadership of Prabowo Subianto, newly elected and inaugurated this month, there is a bold timeline set to finalize crucial government and parliamentary buildings in Nusantara. He envisions the city being ready to welcome the next Indonesian president and vice president by the year 2029.
Speaking on President Prabowo’s behalf, Indonesia’s forestry minister provided the latest updates through his official Instagram, expressing, “For him [Prabowo], Nusantara is the capital of politics.”
“That is why in the next four years, apart from government buildings, we must complete buildings for legislative and judiciary bodies.”
The minister’s remarks reflect Prabowo’s unwavering commitment to establishing Nusantara as a fully operational seat of power, a significant project first launched by Prabowo’s predecessor, Joko Widodo’s administration, back in 2022.
Severe subsidence has become a crucial issue, with yearly rates fluctuating between 1cm to 18cm, and alarming forecasts predict that North Jakarta could face a staggering 95% submersion by the year 2050. The city is further burdened by pollution, severe congestion, and vulnerability to seismic activity.
Nusantara is poised to be three-and-a-half times the size of Singapore and four times larger than Jakarta. In its initial phases, it will accommodate construction workers, defense personnel, and civil servants, with the first group of inhabitants expected to relocate by the end of this year.
The estimated investment dedicated to constructing Nusantara hovers around £27 billion, with primary efforts focused on establishing essential infrastructure, including main roads, water sanitation systems, the presidential palace, and the vice president’s office, as outlined by the country’s Ministry of Public Works.
The initial phases of Nusantara’s construction have centered around land clearing and building access roads. The expansive project is planned to unfold in five distinct stages, with an anticipation of full completion by 2045, when it is projected to accommodate around 1.9 million residents, breathing life into Indonesia’s visionary new capital.
**Interview with Indonesia’s Forestry Minister on the Development of Nusantara**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today. Indonesia is undergoing a significant transition with the construction of its new capital, Nusantara. Can you share some insights into the progress that has been made since the project commenced in August 2022?
**Forestry Minister:** Thank you for having me. I’m pleased to report that Nusantara is progressing remarkably well; we are over 80% complete. This ambitious project is not only addressing the critical environmental challenges Jakarta faces but is also set to create a sustainable and smart urban center that aligns with our vision for Indonesia’s future.
**Interviewer:** That’s impressive! With Jakarta sinking at an alarming rate, how does Nusantara plan to mitigate similar issues in the future?
**Forestry Minister:** Nusantara is designed with eco-friendliness at its core. Its location on the east coast was carefully chosen due to its stable geological conditions compared to Jakarta. We are prioritizing sustainable infrastructure that can withstand environmental challenges, ensuring that our new capital remains resilient in the face of climate change.
**Interviewer:** The move to Nusantara has already led to migration as families seek new opportunities. Can you describe the impact this has had on local communities and the broader economy?
**Forestry Minister:** Yes, we’ve witnessed significant interest from those looking to relocate. This migration has energized the Borneo region, stimulating local economies and creating jobs. The city’s development is designed to foster a sense of community and provide modern amenities for its residents.
**Interviewer:** President Prabowo has set a timeline aiming to have key government buildings ready by 2029. What are some of the major milestones expected in the coming years?
**Forestry Minister:** Our immediate focus is on the government and parliamentary buildings, which are crucial for the future governance of the country. By 2025, we expect to have the foundational infrastructure laid down, followed by the establishment of residential areas and essential services to support the growing population.
**Interviewer:** With such an ambitious project, how are you ensuring that the voices of local communities and indigenous groups are heard and considered?
**Forestry Minister:** Community engagement is vital to us. We have initiated dialogues with local stakeholders and indigenous groups to incorporate their feedback in our planning. It’s essential that Nusantara is a city for all Indonesians, reflecting their heritage and culture.
**Interviewer:** what message would you like to convey to Indonesians about the significance of Nusantara for the future of the country?
**Forestry Minister:** Nusantara is not just a new capital; it’s a symbol of hope and a commitment to a sustainable future. As we build this new city, we are also building a brighter path for future generations, one that values environmental stewardship and urban innovation. Together, we are embarking on this historic journey.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your time and the insight into this transformative project. We look forward to seeing how Nusantara evolves in the years to come.
**Forestry Minister:** Thank you for having me! We appreciate your support in sharing this important mission with the world.
**Interview with Indonesia’s Forestry Minister on the Development of Nusantara**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today. Indonesia is undergoing a significant transition with the construction of its new capital, Nusantara. Can you share some insights into the progress that has been made since the project commenced in August 2022?
**Forestry Minister:** Thank you for having me. I’m pleased to report that Nusantara is progressing remarkably well; we are over 80% complete. This ambitious project is not only addressing the critical environmental challenges Jakarta faces, but is also set to create a sustainable and smart urban center that aligns with our vision for Indonesia’s future.
**Interviewer:** That’s impressive! With Jakarta sinking at an alarming rate, how does Nusantara plan to mitigate similar issues in the future?
**Forestry Minister:** Nusantara is designed with eco-friendliness at its core. Its location on the east coast was carefully chosen due to its stable geological conditions compared to Jakarta. We are prioritizing sustainable infrastructure that can withstand environmental challenges, ensuring that our new capital remains resilient in the face of climate change.
**Interviewer:** The move to Nusantara has already led to migration as families seek new opportunities. Can you describe the impact this has had on local communities and the broader economy?
**Forestry Minister:** Yes, we’ve witnessed significant interest from those looking to relocate. This migration has energized the Borneo region, stimulating local economies and creating jobs. The city’s development is designed to foster a sense of community and provide modern amenities for its residents.
**Interviewer:** President Prabowo has set a timeline aiming to have key government buildings ready by 2029. What are some of the major milestones expected in the coming years?
**Forestry Minister:** Our immediate focus is on the government and parliamentary buildings, which are crucial for the future governance of the country. By 2025, we expect to have the foundational infrastructure laid down, followed by the establishment of key administrative offices, including the presidential palace and vice president’s office. This timeline will set the stage for Nusantara to function effectively as Indonesia’s political capital.
**Interviewer:** That sounds like a considerable undertaking. Can you elaborate on the long-term vision for Nusantara and how it will enhance the lives of its inhabitants?
**Forestry Minister:** Certainly! Our long-term vision for Nusantara involves creating a city that is not only a government hub but also offers a high quality of life for its residents. We envision a city that blends nature with modern living, featuring parks, green spaces, and advanced infrastructure. By 2045, when Nusantara is projected to accommodate around 1.9 million residents, we hope it will stand as a model for sustainable urban development worldwide.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing these insights. It seems Nusantara is set to play a pivotal role in the future of Indonesia. We look forward to seeing its progress.
**Forestry Minister:** Thank you for having me. We are excited about the future of Nusantara and its potential to transform Indonesia.