Published: 14:40, July 29, 2024
Indonesian president tries out palace in proposed new capital
By Reuters
This picture taken on July 11, 2024 shows an aerial view of Indonesia's future Presidential Palace at the future capital city of Nusantara in Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan. (PHOTO / AFP)

NUSANTARA, Indonesia - Indonesian President Joko Widodo spent his first night in the eagle-shaped palace of the country's proposed new capital Nusantara ahead of official meetings on Monday, as the outgoing leader works to allay fears about the beleaguered infrastructure project.

Jokowi, as the president is known, has been rushing to complete as much of the new capital as possible before he steps down in October, despite Nusantara facing multiple construction delays, a lack of foreign investment, and managerial and land issues.

"This is a big job. It can take 10, 15, 20 years," Jokowi told reporters outside the new Garuda Palace on Monday, "This is not a job that takes one or two years."

The dramatic bird-shaped palace, comprised of 4,650 blades that make up the eagle's wings, is the centerpiece of the new capital.

In this photo released by Indonesian Presidential Palace, Indonesian President Joko Widodo (center) talks to journalists after he inspected the presidential palace construction site at the new capital city Nusantara in Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan, Indonesia, on June 5, 2024. (PHOTO / AP)
In this photo released by Indonesian Presidential Palace, Indonesian President Joko Widodo (center) inspects the presidential palace construction site at the new capital city Nusantara in Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan, Indonesia, on June 5, 2024.(PHOTO / AP)

On Monday, the president admitted he didn not sleep well on his first night, but said that water, electricity and the internet, which had delayed his initial planned move this month, were now available. He did not specify how long he planned to work there.

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Carved out of jungle on the tropical island of Borneo, the $32 billion infrastructure project is located about 1,200 km from the current capital, Jakarta.

Preparing to hold Independence Day celebrations in Nusantara on Aug 17, Jokowi has in recent weeks been more pragmatic in his remarks about the new capital.

"Lots of people think we are rushing...No, we're not rushing the job. It's in accordance with procedures," he said.

This picture taken on July 12, 2024 shows an aerial view of a new toll road, which connects the future capital city of Nusantara to Balikpapan, undergoing construction in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan. (PHOTO / AFP)

On Sunday, the president donned a black touring jacket and rode Nusantara's new toll road on a motorcycle, flanked by several government officials and social media influencers.

In recent months Jokowi has broken ground on schools, office complexes in Nusantara and promised foreign investment. But years after announcing his signature project, intended to ease the burden on the traffic-ridden, polluted, sinking and over-populated Jakarta, zero foreign funding has been committed.

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Doubts deepened last month after the top two officials overseeing the project resigned without explanation.

President-elect Prabowo Subianto has promised to continue developing Nusantara after he is inaugurated but analysts say he will prioritize funding his own signature "nutritious food" program.