JAKARTA: Indonesian President Joko Widodo presided over the country’s 79th Independence Day ceremony on Saturday, marking a historic occasion as the event was held in Nusantara, the future capital city currently under construction in the Borneo jungle.
This was the first time the Independence Day celebration took place at the new site, reflecting the government’s ambitious plan to shift the nation’s capital from Jakarta.
Widodo was joined by Defense Minister and President-elect Prabowo Subianto. Meanwhile, a parallel event occurred in Jakarta, attended by Vice President Ma’ruf Amin and Vice President-elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Widodo’s eldest son.
Approximately 1,300 officials and guests dressed in traditional attire from various Indonesian provinces gathered at the new State Palace in Nusantara.
Widodo, who delivered his remarks in a statement rather than a traditional speech, emphasized the significance of this year’s celebrations.
“Nusantara represents the start of three major transitions for Indonesia: the new capital city, the change in leadership, and preparations for 2045 Golden Indonesia,” he stated. This plan aims to elevate Indonesia to a developed nation by 2045, the centennial of its independence from the Netherlands.
Nusantara, located in East Kalimantan on Borneo island, is about 1,200 km from Jakarta, which is situated on Java island. Announced officially in 2019, the capital relocation is intended to alleviate Jakarta’s severe traffic congestion, overpopulation, and pollution. Jakarta is also one of the fastest-sinking cities globally.
Widodo described the $32 billion Nusantara project as a means to distribute wealth more evenly across Indonesia, countering the concentration of 56 percent of the population and nearly 60 percent of economic activity on Java island. However, critics view the project as a move to cement Widodo’s legacy before his term ends in October.
The project is slated for completion by 2045 and is envisioned as a “forest city” powered by renewable energy. A presidential decree, to be signed by Widodo’s successor, Subianto, will formalize the capital shift. Subianto has pledged to continue the project after taking office on October 20.
Nusantara has faced delays and struggles to attract the anticipated foreign investment. Environmentalists and indigenous communities have criticized the project, citing rushed development and lack of consultation. Activists demonstrated near a new bridge in Nusantara’s district, displaying a banner that read: “Indonesia is Not For Sale. Freedom!”
Arie Rompas from Greenpeace Indonesia accused Widodo of leaving a legacy of injustice with a project that he claims neglects indigenous rights and caters to the political elite.
Earlier this month, the government introduced incentives such as long-term land rights to attract private investment, aiming to cover 20 percent of the project’s budget. Environmentalists warn of the project’s impact on endangered species like orangutans and long-nosed monkeys, whose habitats are threatened by development.
Meike Inda Erlina from Trend Asia criticized Nusantara as a “business project” that benefits only a select few, leaving behind economic and ecological burdens for the broader population.
