Indonesia commemorated its 79th year of independence with a ceremony held in the evolving future capital of Nusantara. The new capital, intended to alleviate the strain on Jakarta, witnessed a gathering of hundreds of officials and guests adorned in traditional Indonesian tribal attire. The event took place amidst the ongoing construction of government structures and the backdrop of towering cranes in the heart of Nusantara city.
President Joko Widodo and his Cabinet members graced the Independence Day ceremony at the new Presidential Palace, designed in the likeness of the mythical Garuda, a winged protector figure. Originally planned as the inauguration of Nusantara as the nation's new capital, the delayed construction has left the transfer timeline uncertain.
Despite initial plans to host 8,000 guests, the number was scaled down to 1,300 due to incomplete infrastructure. The celebration at the new State Palace on Borneo coincided with a similar event at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, attended by Vice President Ma'ruf Amin.
The move to establish a new capital stems from Jakarta's challenges, including frequent flooding and severe congestion costing the economy billions annually. The city's environmental woes, such as pollution and sinking land, have prompted the shift to a more sustainable location.
The new capital's construction, initiated in mid-2022 across 2,600 square kilometers of Borneo's terrain, aims to create a modern, eco-friendly city with ample green spaces and renewable energy sources. However, the project faces criticism from environmentalists and Indigenous groups concerned about habitat destruction and displacement.
With Indonesia's population exceeding 275 million, the new capital's $33 billion budget relies heavily on private sector investments, with the government contributing 20%. President Widodo's efforts to attract investors include extended land rights and tax incentives.
As Indonesia navigates this monumental transition, the construction of Nusantara as the new capital signifies a significant step towards a sustainable and prosperous future for the nation.
