Nusantara, Indonesia’s new capital city, is set to host Independence Day celebrations on Saturday, marking a significant shift as the country prepares for a future without Jakarta as its capital. The ambitious project, championed by outgoing President Joko Widodo, commonly known as Jokowi, is taking shape on the island of Borneo, in East Kalimantan.
Indonesia declared its independence from Dutch colonial rule in 1945, with Jakarta as its political and administrative center. However, Jakarta, located in western Java, has since evolved into a sprawling metropolis with a population exceeding 11 million. The city faces severe challenges, including some of the world’s worst traffic congestion, thick smog, and severe overcrowding. Moreover, Jakarta is reportedly sinking due to excessive groundwater extraction, and Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency has warned that up to 25 percent of the city could be submerged by 2050.
In response to these issues, President Jokowi announced plans to relocate the capital to Nusantara during his annual address on August 16, 2019. The new capital is envisioned as a symbol of progress, designed to alleviate the pressures on Jakarta and foster a more sustainable and balanced development across the country.
Despite the excitement surrounding Nusantara, the project has faced criticism for its high costs and potential environmental impact, as it involves building a new city from scratch in the jungles of Borneo. Nonetheless, the upcoming Independence Day celebrations in Nusantara are expected to highlight the government's commitment to this bold vision for Indonesia's future.
