
Big Take
Indonesia Is Building a New Capital. It’s Not Going Well
Dec 30, 2024
Faris Mokhtar, a Bloomberg government reporter based in Jakarta, discusses Indonesia's ambitious plan to build a new capital city, Nusantara, to alleviate Jakarta's overcrowding and pollution. He highlights the formidable challenges, including financial hurdles and skepticism surrounding the project. Mokhtar details the significant costs incurred—over $4.6 billion—and the lack of investor interest, which threatens the project's viability. The conversation delves into the implications for Southeast Asia's largest economy if Nusantara fails to materialize.
15:57
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The ambitious Nusantara project aims to address Jakarta's overcrowding and environmental issues but faces significant financial and administrative hurdles.
- The success of Nusantara could either elevate Indonesia as a model for national development in emerging markets or reflect a costly failure.
Deep dives
Indonesia's New Capital: An Ambitious Vision
Indonesia is embarking on a monumental project to establish a new capital city, Nusantara, as a solution to the challenges faced by Jakarta. The current capital suffers from severe congestion, pollution, and sinking due to rising sea levels, compelling the government to take action to relocate the nation's administrative center. Former President Jokowi emphasizes that Nusantara is more than just a relocation; it's a chance to create a green, high-tech city designed for efficiency and sustainability. He envisions a smart city with minimal reliance on cars, highlighting plans for a public transportation system and a focus on environmental conservation.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.