A panoramic view of Indonesia's future Presidential Palace in the upcoming Capital City of Nusantara, located in Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan. AFP File Photo

The Indonesian national flag waves atop the future Presidential Palace complex in the planned Capital City of Nusantara, situated in Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan. AFP File Photo

Indonesia's incoming leader, Prabowo Subianto, aims to finalize crucial government and parliamentary structures within the nation's $32 billion new capital city over the next four years, as stated by a cabinet minister. The capital initiative, spearheaded by former President Joko Widodo, intends to relocate Indonesia's political center approximately 1,200 km from the sinking and congested Jakarta to Nusantara, nestled in the Borneo jungle.

"He (Prabowo) envisions the inauguration of the next Indonesian president and vice-president in 2029 taking place in Nusantara," remarked forestry minister Raja Juli Antoni on Saturday via his Instagram account. These comments on Prabowo's aspirations come amidst skepticism regarding his commitment to the project at the same pace as Widodo, who implicitly supported his candidacy, and whether the state budget can accommodate Nusantara alongside his multi-billion dollar free-meal program, a cornerstone of his election campaign.

Raja Juli, however, asserts that there should be no more doubts about Prabowo's dedication to continuing his predecessor's legacy project, as he has already pledged to complete it. "For him (Prabowo), Nusantara is the political capital. Hence, over the next four years, in addition to government buildings, we must also complete structures for legislative and judiciary bodies," the minister added.

Key government buildings, including the presidential palace and some state officials' residences, have recently been completed, while construction of toll roads and airports is ongoing. Since the project commenced in 2022, it has encountered challenges in attracting foreign investment, which is crucial for accelerating its progress. The government has agreed that only a fifth of the total budget would be sourced from the state. The project secured its initial foreign investment last month when Chinese property firm Delonix Group invested 500 billion rupiah ($31.80 million) to construct hotels and offices.

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