Jakarta has been the capital of Indonesia since August 17, 1945, when the country declared independence from the Dutch. The Ibu Kota Negara project is working to relocate the capital to Nusantara. Jakarta is sinking rapidly making it susceptible to natural disasters like flooding. Dense populations, traffic congestion, and pollution also make it “imperative” to relocate. The new capital of Nusantara is envisioned to be climate change resilient, help to decentralize economic activities, and be a hub for technological innovation.

The unfinished capital of Nusantara held this year’s Indonesian Independence Day ceremony. The ceremony was originally supposed to inaugurate Nusantara as the new capital, but the construction delays did not allow that. It makes sense that the inauguration would happen on their Independence Day, from colonial power, because their former capitals of Jakarta and Yogyakarta played major roles in the Indonesian Revolution. Jakarta formerly known as Batavia is the city in which Indonesian nationalist claimed their independence. Yogyakarta, an ancient royal city, was the capital of the Indonesian Republic where revolutionaries fought against the Dutch. While the future capital must be moved to a more sustainable location, I am curious what that means for historical monuments, businesses moving, or how the average resident feels about leaving. 

Touching on the idea of sustainability, the building of Nusantara has brought about environmental concerns. The new capital is envisioned as a “green” city, but environmentalists criticize the plan. Clearing the jungle and developing this urban area could pose major threats to biodiversity. The city is attempting to achieve net-zero emissions and create green spaces. The dual role of environmental steward and destroyer is an interesting dichotomy, but in the context of the situation, it appears a viable solution. 

Back to the question of whether this sustainable city will be able to attract the residents of Jakarta. The Nusantara Capital Authority was tasked to coordinate aspects such as land acquisition, infrastructural management, and stakeholder involvement. While the city could currently accommodate 1.5 million people, with potentially more in the future, how is the NCA sure this location is sound for the future of Indonesia? Will this change be able to accommodate the movement of government, business, and residential areas? Are people willing to relocate in the first place? Indonesia wouldn’t be the first country to build a new capital. Brazil’s inauguration of Brasília in 1960 proved the ability for a successful transition between capitals. Yet, many other countries have faced challenges such as the landscape not being able to accommodate the population. Nusantara has the ability to look at past endeavors and analyze why can be applied and avoided in their own endeavors. 

Between environmental, economic, historical, and logistical, it will be interesting to see the future of Nusantara as the project comes to a close.