Jakarta, the former capital of Indonesia, is slowly sinking into the sea starting today, Saturday. That is why a billion-dollar move is taking place to Nusantara, in the middle of the jungle. Last weekend, the official opening ceremony of the new futuristic ‘Smart City’ took place.
Current President Joko Widodo – better known as Jokowi – held his first cabinet meeting in Nusantara a few days ago. The city being built on the island of Borneo is “a canvas that will shape the future,” he said. “Not all countries have the ability and capacity to build their capital from scratch.”
Flying taxis should conquer the skies
Jokowi explained his vision again: “Nusantara is being developed according to the concept of a forest city, a city full of greenery, not a city of concrete or glass.” But it is also a smart city full of technology in which it is pleasant to live, Jokowi stressed. According to the plans, flying taxis will also conquer the skies.
Full completion could take until 2045
The scene is still dominated by cranes and dusty, unfinished buildings. While some government buildings are nearing completion, much of the essential infrastructure, such as housing, schools and hospitals, is still under construction. It could take until 2045 for the entire project to be completed.
Jakarta could be below sea level by 2050
Jokowi announced the move in 2019. The main reason is that Jakarta on the island of Java is slowly sinking and large parts of the city are already below sea level. By 2050, the entire area of North Jakarta could be under water. Added to this is the traffic chaos and smog in the mega-metropolis with eleven million inhabitants (and almost 34 million in the metropolitan area). Nusantara is located about two hours by plane northeast of Jakarta in Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo.
Presidential Palace in the shape of a huge eagle
In addition to Jokowi, his chosen successor Prabowo Subianto, who will take office in October, was also present at the Independence Day celebrations. “We can see how beautiful the capital Nusantara is,” an announcer enthused on television where the ceremony was broadcast live. In particular, the new presidential palace in the shape of a huge eagle – the Garuda Palace – is not only “huge, but also beautiful”.
Many people had to be forcibly relocated
Work in Borneo began in 2022. However, critics complain that many people had to be forcibly relocated – and that the compensation offered was not enough to rebuild their lives.
With thousands of islands stretching from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and approximately 280 million inhabitants, Indonesia is the largest island nation in the world.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
