Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara, was meant to be the crowning achievement of Joko Widodo’s 10-year presidency. However, just weeks before its scheduled opening, the city-to-be is a massive construction site.
With most buildings still unfinished and access roads in rough shape, the grand opening of Nusantara on August 17, Indonesia’s Independence Day, is in jeopardy due to construction delays, financial issues, and the reluctance of people to relocate.
During a recent visit to the site, Widodo acknowledged the ongoing challenges and emphasized that the development of Nusantara is a long-term project spanning several decades.
While the capital is expected to play a significant role in independence celebrations, the official decree to move the capital from Jakarta may not be issued until after Widodo’s successor, Prabowo Subianto, assumes office on October 20.
The decision to relocate the capital to Borneo was made after experts warned that Jakarta, with its 12 million residents, was sinking. The new site in Borneo was strategically chosen to better serve Indonesia’s vast archipelago.
Despite claims by project officials that phase one of the development is nearly 80% complete, a closer look reveals that it may be closer to 20% finished. The construction progress has faced setbacks, including extreme weather conditions and a lack of foreign investment.
With key officials resigning and delays mounting, Nusantara has struggled to attract much-needed foreign funding. Jakarta aims to finance 20% of the project and secure $6.13 billion in private investment by 2024, but as of June, only domestic investors have contributed.
Amidst the challenges, more than 10,000 civil servants are being asked to relocate to Nusantara starting in September. However, many are reluctant to move due to inadequate facilities and uncertainties about the city’s development timeline.
Despite the hurdles, the government remains hopeful that the workforce’s loyalty and sacrifices will pave the way for Nusantara to become a thriving city in the years to come.
