The Indonesian Presidential Palace in the future capital of the archipelago, in Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan, on July 11, 2024. The new city is scheduled to start operating as the country’s new political center on August 17, 2024 during Indonesia’s 79th Independence Day.
Yasuyoshi Chiba Afp | Getty Images
Indonesian President Joko Widodo spent the first night in the eagle-shaped palace of the archipelago’s proposed new capital ahead of an official meeting on Monday, as the outgoing leader worked to allay fears over beleaguered infrastructure projects.
Jokowi, as the president is known, has rushed to complete as new capital as possible before resigning in October, despite Nusantara facing several construction delays, lack of foreign investment, and managerial and land problems.
“This is a big task. It can take 10, 15, 20 years,” Jokowi told reporters outside the new Garuda Palace on Monday, “This is not a project that will take one or two years.”
The dramatic bird-shaped palace, made up of 4,650 blades that form the wings of an eagle, is the centerpiece of the new capital.
On Monday, the president admitted that he had not slept the first night, but said that water, electricity and internet, which had delayed the planned move this month, were now available. He did not specify how long he plans to work there.
Carved out of the jungle on the tropical island of Borneo, the $32 billion infrastructure project is located about 1,200 km (750 miles) from the current capital, Jakarta.
Preparing to celebrate Independence Day in the archipelago on August 17, Jokowi has been more pragmatic in his words about the new capital for a few weeks.
“Many people think that we are in a hurry…No, we are not in a hurry to work. It is in accordance with the procedure,” he said.
On Sunday, the president wore a black touring jacket and rode a motorcycle on the new archipelago expressway, flanked by several government officials and social media influencers.
In recent months, Jokowi has destroyed schools, office complexes in the archipelago and promised foreign investment. But years after announcing his signature project, intended to ease the burden on congested, polluted, submerged and overpopulated Jakarta, zero foreign funding has been forthcoming.
Doubts arose last month after two top officials overseeing the project resigned without explanation.
President-elect Prabowo Subianto has promised to continue developing the archipelago after his inauguration but analysts say he will prioritize funding his own “nutritious food” program.