Indonesian President Joko Widodo spent his inaugural night at the eagle-shaped Garuda Palace in the proposed new capital, Nusantara, before scheduled meetings on Monday. As the incumbent leader, Jokowi is working to alleviate concerns about the troubled infrastructure project. Despite facing numerous construction delays, insufficient foreign investment, and issues with management and land, Jokowi is pushing to finalize as much of the new capital as he can before his term ends in October.
"This is a monumental task that could span 10 to 20 years," Jokowi told journalists outside the Garuda Palace on Monday. "It's not something that can be completed in one or two years." The Garuda Palace, featuring 4,650 blades forming the eagle's wings, serves as the focal point of the new capital. The president revealed that he had a restless first night but noted that essential services like water, electricity, and the internet, which had previously delayed his move, were now functional. He did not elaborate on how long he intends to stay.
The $32 billion project, situated approximately 1,200 km from Jakarta on the tropical island of Borneo, is being developed from the jungle. As Indonesia prepares to celebrate Independence Day in Nusantara on August 17, Jokowi has adopted a more practical stance regarding the new capital's development. "Many believe we are rushing the process... But we are not. Everything is being done according to established procedures," he stated.
On Sunday, Jokowi, dressed in a black touring jacket, rode a motorcycle along Nusantara's new toll road, accompanied by government officials and social media influencers. Over the past few months, he has initiated construction on schools and office complexes in Nusantara and has assured foreign investment. However, despite announcing this flagship project years ago with the aim of relieving the congestion, pollution, and overpopulation in Jakarta, no foreign funds have been secured.
Concerns escalated last month when the two leading officials overseeing the project resigned without providing reasons. President-elect Prabowo Subianto has pledged to continue developing Nusantara after his inauguration, although analysts predict he will prioritize his own "nutritious food" program for funding.
