Indonesia’s president-elect Prabowo Subianto has reiterated his commitment to moving forward with the construction of the new capital city, Nusantara, despite concerns over funding for the megaproject and a free lunch initiative promised during his election campaign. The city, with the working name IKN – Ibu Kota Nusantara, is part of a historic step to relocate the capital from Jakarta to East Kalimantan and is expected to take several years to be fully functional as the new seat of government. Prabowo praised outgoing President Joko Widodo for initiating this ambitious project and emphasized his determination to continue the development of Nusantara.
During a Cabinet meeting in Nusantara, Prabowo expressed confidence in the progress of the new capital city project, citing his experience as a field person and builder. Despite facing challenges such as attracting investors and delays in basic infrastructure like water and electricity supply, Prabowo remains optimistic about the future benefits of relocating the capital. He assured that he will move his office to Nusantara after his inauguration as president, reaffirming his commitment to the project as both a leader and investor in the venture.
The construction of Nusantara is estimated to cost around US$32 billion, and efforts to secure funding and investment have faced obstacles leading up to Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations. Widodo had initially aimed to start working in the new capital by early July but had to postpone the move due to infrastructure challenges. Despite these setbacks, he began using his new office at the end of August. Prabowo’s promise to follow suit and move his office to Nusantara after assuming the presidency reflects his dedication to the project and upholding his responsibilities as the country’s leader.
As a businessman and incoming president, Prabowo is actively involved in the development of Nusantara and is optimistic about the long-term benefits it will bring to Indonesia. He acknowledged that building a new capital city is a complex and time-consuming process but remains confident in its ultimate success. By highlighting his practical experience and commitment to the project, Prabowo aims to reassure the public and stakeholders of his government’s dedication to seeing the construction of Nusantara through to completion. The relocation of the capital represents a significant milestone in Indonesia’s development and governance, and Prabowo’s leadership will play a crucial role in its realization.
