Indonesia's new capital aims to be 'economic growth center'

Nusantara construction 'on schedule'; 60,000 people expected in 2024: officials

20230731 Nusantara 4 Presidential palace

A new presidential palace is going up in Nusantara: Some government functions will be transferred from Jakarta to the new capital in 2024. (Photo by Nana Shibata)

NANA SHIBATA, Nikkei staff writer

August 2, 2023 11:38 JST

NUSANTARA, Indonesia -- More than two hours by air from Jakarta, and another two-hour drive from Balikpapan airport, a new city is appearing the middle of Borneo Island's vast rainforest.

Next August, Indonesian President Joko Widodo will shift some government functions to the new capital, Nusantara. Widodo plans to hold next year's Aug. 17 Independence Day celebration outside the new presidential palace, just before his term ends in October 2024.