Indonesia Celebrates Independence Day In Unfinished Future Capital

CORRECTS DATE - Soldiers march before the start of a ceremony marking Indonesia's 79th anniversary of the independence at the new presidential palace in its future capital city of Nusantara, still und

Indonesia celebrated its 79th Independence Day with a ceremony in the emerging future capital of Nusantara, which was envisioned to alleviate the strain on Jakarta but has faced delays in its construction progress. The event, attended by hundreds of officials and guests adorned in traditional Indonesian tribal attire, took place amidst the ongoing development of government structures and a backdrop of construction cranes in the heart of Nusantara city.

President Joko Widodo and Cabinet members participated in the Independence Day festivities at the new Presidential Palace, designed in the form of the mythical Garuda figure. Originally intended to mark the inauguration of Nusantara as the nation's new capital, the transfer timeline remains uncertain due to construction setbacks.

The ceremony, initially planned for 8,000 guests, was scaled down to 1,300 due to inadequate infrastructure. Simultaneously, a celebration occurred at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, attended by Vice President Ma'ruf Amin.

With Jakarta grappling with issues like frequent flooding and severe congestion, the decision to relocate the capital was driven by environmental concerns and urban challenges. The new capital, situated on Borneo island, spans 2,600 square kilometers and aims to be a sustainable, green city powered by renewable energy and featuring smart waste management.

Ceremony attended by officials in traditional attire amidst ongoing construction.

Indonesia celebrates 79th Independence Day in Nusantara, future capital.

President Widodo participates in festivities at new Presidential Palace shaped like Garuda.

Despite its futuristic vision, the project has faced criticism from environmentalists and Indigenous communities for its impact on the environment and displacement of local populations. The construction, which commenced in mid-2022, has seen multiple groundbreaking ceremonies for various government and public facilities.

The $33 billion budget for the new capital relies heavily on private sector investment, with the government contributing only 20%. To attract investors, Widodo has offered incentives such as extended land rights and tax benefits.

As Southeast Asia's largest economy with a population of approximately 275 million, Indonesia faces significant challenges in balancing economic development with environmental sustainability. Widodo, who has been in office for a decade, is set to step down in October, leaving the future of the new capital project in the hands of his successor.