Outgoing President Joko Widodo Begins Work at New Capital Palace in Nusantara
- Indonesian President Joko Widodo has started working from the new presidential palace in the country's planned new capital, despite ongoing construction.
- This move signifies his intention to spend the remainder of his presidency in the ambitious project aimed at relocating the capital.
- The new capital project highlights Indonesia's efforts to address issues in its current capital, Jakarta.
PENAJAM PASER UTARA, Indonesia – Outgoing President Joko Widodo commenced his final months in office at the new presidential palace in Nusantara, Indonesia's ambitious new capital. On Monday, Widodo announced that he has begun holding meetings with officials at the palace, emphasizing the urgency of completing key infrastructure projects ahead of the upcoming Independence Day celebrations on August 17. The new capital, located in East Kalimantan on Borneo Island, is set to officially replace Jakarta, which faces severe environmental challenges. Widodo expressed optimism about the progress of the new "Garuda Presidential Palace," which he hopes will serve as the venue for the Independence Day ceremony. He noted that thousands of workers are engaged in the ongoing construction efforts, and he aims to ensure that his presence does not hinder development. The government is racing against time to finalize the infrastructure before the historic celebration, marking the first Independence Day in the new capital. The ambitious project to establish Nusantara as the new capital is estimated to cost $33 billion, with only 20% funded by the state budget. Public Works and Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono reported that the city currently has a solar power capacity of 10 megawatts, with plans to procure an additional 40 megawatts. A nearby reservoir is also expected to provide sufficient clean drinking water for the new metropolis. Despite the advancements, uncertainties linger regarding the official relocation timeline, as Widodo has yet to issue a formal decree. The incoming president, Prabowo Subianto, faces challenges in attracting investors to the megaproject while promising to continue Widodo's initiatives, including the development of Nusantara.