Indonesia's ambitious new capital, Nusantara, has been touted as a utopian project aimed at replacing the congested and polluted Jakarta. However, with only three years since its launch, concerns are growing that it may never come to fruition, leaving behind an empty, ghost-like city.
The government's funding for the project has significantly decreased under President Prabowo Subianto, from £2 billion in 2024 to just £700 million last year, and further reduced to £300 million next year. Private investment has also fallen short of targets, exacerbating concerns about the project's viability.
Critics argue that the government is not committed to completing the project, labeling it a "political capital" rather than the intended new national hub. The construction of buildings such as apartment blocks, hospitals, and roads has been completed, but much of the city remains under development.
Environmentalists warn of potential ecological disasters due to the destruction of rare and endangered species habitats in the surrounding rainforest. Local residents have reported reduced trade and economic activity, with some even closing their businesses due to the lack of workers.
The project's impact on Indigenous communities has also been a topic of debate. While the government claims to have engaged with local groups, environmental NGOs estimate over 2,000 hectares of mangrove forest have been cleared due to infrastructure projects.
Despite these concerns, officials remain optimistic, with Basuki Hadimuljono, head of the Nusantara Capital Authority, insisting that funding and political commitment are in place. However, analysts suggest that President Prabowo's true priorities lie elsewhere, such as his flagship free schools meals program.
Some tourists visiting Nusantara have expressed a sense of wonder at its modernity, likening it to Singapore, but also noting the eerie silence and emptiness of the city. While some hope that Nusantara can shift Indonesia's wealth away from Java, others fear that it may end up as a tourist destination rather than a functional capital.
As Nusantara continues to struggle, one thing is clear: the fate of this ambitious project hangs in the balance, leaving many to wonder if it will ever fulfill its promise.
The government's funding for the project has significantly decreased under President Prabowo Subianto, from £2 billion in 2024 to just £700 million last year, and further reduced to £300 million next year. Private investment has also fallen short of targets, exacerbating concerns about the project's viability.
Critics argue that the government is not committed to completing the project, labeling it a "political capital" rather than the intended new national hub. The construction of buildings such as apartment blocks, hospitals, and roads has been completed, but much of the city remains under development.
Environmentalists warn of potential ecological disasters due to the destruction of rare and endangered species habitats in the surrounding rainforest. Local residents have reported reduced trade and economic activity, with some even closing their businesses due to the lack of workers.
The project's impact on Indigenous communities has also been a topic of debate. While the government claims to have engaged with local groups, environmental NGOs estimate over 2,000 hectares of mangrove forest have been cleared due to infrastructure projects.
Despite these concerns, officials remain optimistic, with Basuki Hadimuljono, head of the Nusantara Capital Authority, insisting that funding and political commitment are in place. However, analysts suggest that President Prabowo's true priorities lie elsewhere, such as his flagship free schools meals program.
Some tourists visiting Nusantara have expressed a sense of wonder at its modernity, likening it to Singapore, but also noting the eerie silence and emptiness of the city. While some hope that Nusantara can shift Indonesia's wealth away from Java, others fear that it may end up as a tourist destination rather than a functional capital.
As Nusantara continues to struggle, one thing is clear: the fate of this ambitious project hangs in the balance, leaving many to wonder if it will ever fulfill its promise.
but at the same time, I'm pretty darn convinced that it's all gonna end up being a huge failure 
because the government is just not committed to making it work... wait, nope, maybe they actually are? 
I mean, President Prabowo seems super dedicated to the project and Basuki Hadimuljono is like, totally optimistic about the future 
but on the other hand, analysts say his priorities lie elsewhere... which means he probably doesn't care 
. And then there's the environmental impact... which is a total disaster waiting to happen 
or maybe it'll be fine and all? 
I don't know, man!
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. 2,000 hectares of mangrove forest cleared due to infrastructure projects? That's a huge loss.
. I'm not sure what the point of this project is anymore. Is it just gonna be some tourist trap? 
so Indonesia's trying to build a new capital city that's like "utopia" but really it's just a city with a lot of empty buildings 
. Like, they're spending less and less money on it, from £2 billion to £300 million? That's like me saying I'm gonna buy 700 McDonald's burgers with my last £100 
. Anyway, the environment is getting destroyed because of all the construction and there are rumors that the government doesn't actually want to finish the project 
. It's like they're just playing a game of "Nusantara: who can pretend to be interested in building a city for the longest amount of time" 
... like, how can you launch a city and not even have a plan for it? It's all talk no walk 
. The funding's been slashed left and right, and now they're actin' all surprised that it ain't comin' together? 
. And what about the Indigenous communities? The gov's all like "engaged" but we can see the impact from 100 miles away 
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... £300 million is still a lot of money, but with private investment falling short and funding being slashed, I think we're looking at a massive waste of resources 
... and what about those indigenous communities? 2,000 hectares of mangrove forest gone? That's heartbreaking 
... Nusantara can't be just another pretty face, it needs to deliver on its promises 
. The environment is sufferin' too, with all the deforestation and destruction of habitats 
. I hope someone's keepin' an eye on this project, or it'll be a total waste of resources 
The designs are straight out of a futuristic novel, but like, what's up with the lack of clear signage and navigation? 
You got tourists wandering around, taking selfies in front of these sleek buildings, but where's the information on how to get around or even what's going on in this city? 
And don't even get me started on the website – it's like they just threw some fancy graphics together without thinking about user experience