Why Indonesia’s New Capital Nusantara Is On The Brink Of Becoming A Ghost Town

Nusantara, Indonesia’s ambitious sustainable capital, was designed to address the issues of overcrowding and sinking in Jakarta. However, after three years, the city is facing challenges. Decreased funding, diminished investor confidence, and empty streets have led to worries that Nusantara might become a ghost town before its completion. Initially announced as a symbol of progress by former President Joko Widodo, the $32 billion project aimed to create a ‘green and smart’ capital to alleviate Jakarta’s problems by 2030. But under the current President Prabowo Subianto, funding has been drastically reduced, alarming investors and causing concerns about the city’s future. With only 2,000 civil servants and 8,000 construction workers residing in Nusantara, well below expectations, the city’s development is behind schedule. While infrastructure like roads and government buildings exist, many areas remain under construction. The halt in private investment and the significant decrease in state funding have jeopardized Nusantara’s progress. The government’s commitment to the project is being questioned as declining financial support and a shift in the city’s designation to a ‘political capital’ have raised doubts about its viability. Despite assurances from officials that the project is proceeding as planned, concerns persist about Nusantara’s ability to fulfill its intended purpose as a sustainable and modern capital for Indonesia. With ongoing challenges and uncertainty surrounding its future, Nusantara stands at the brink of becoming a deserted urban area before it can fully materialize its vision.