New capital cities for Indonesia and Egypt take back seat

Coronavirus response drains budgets and urgency for big plans

20200609N Jakarta

A traffic jam seen in Jakarta, Indonesia as large-scale social restrictions were put in place for the coronavirus outbreak. © Reuters

KOYA JIBIKI and HIDEMITSU KIBE, Nikkei staff writers

JAKARTA/DUBAI -- Grand plans by Indonesia and Egypt to move their capitals to new ground have stalled as their governments divert resources to fighting the coronavirus.

Skeptics had questioned whether these relocations, meant to reduce road congestion and overcrowding, were worth their price tags even before the pandemic.

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