Mr Budi Karya’s relocation to East Kalimantan comes as Indonesia prepares to transfer its capital city from Jakarta to Nusantara. However, this shift has faced various stumbling blocks. President Jokowi recently delayed his move to Nusantara as issues arose with ensuring a stable supply of drinking water and electricity. Despite his previous confidence in relocating by early July, there have been delays in completing key infrastructure for the US$32 billion ambitious project just weeks before the official inauguration of Nusantara on Indonesia’s Independence Day on Aug 17.
The capital city transfer has also struggled to attract investors, further complicating the situation. President Jokowi has yet to sign a presidential decree formalizing Nusantara as the new capital, leaving the relocation plan in limbo. He hinted that this decree may be signed by his successor, Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto, who is set to be sworn in as president on Oct 20. President Jokowi emphasized the importance of not forcing a premature relocation, acknowledging the current state of readiness for the move.
Minister of Public Works and Housing Basuki Hadimuljono attributed delays in the construction of key infrastructure in Nusantara to bad weather, highlighting the significant impact of heavy rains on the timeline for completion. He assured that the water supply would begin by a specified date despite the setbacks. Concerns about basic utilities like water and electricity in the new capital were addressed by Ministry of Transportation spokesperson Adita Irawati, who stated that these issues did not disrupt the working operations conducted by Minister Budi Karya during his brief stay in Nusantara.
Mr Budi Karya’s return to Jakarta after spending three days in East Kalimantan raises questions about the working conditions and operational readiness in Nusantara. While concerns about basic amenities like water and electricity persist, Adita Irawati mentioned that these issues did not hinder the minister’s work during his visit. It seems that basic services were provided in IKN, where office operations were conducted on a small scale. The challenges faced in ensuring the smooth transition to Nusantara as the new capital city are evident, with the completion of key infrastructure and the availability of essential utilities remaining pressing issues to be addressed.
The ambitious project of transferring Indonesia’s capital city from Jakarta to Nusantara has been plagued by delays and challenges, including issues with attracting investors and completing key infrastructure. President Jokowi’s decision to delay his own relocation reflects the complexities involved in ensuring a seamless transition. The impending inauguration of Nusantara on Indonesia’s Independence Day adds urgency to resolving these issues and moving forward with the capital city transfer. As the country continues to navigate these challenges, the importance of addressing the readiness of basic utilities and infrastructure in the new capital remains a top priority for the successful establishment of Nusantara as Indonesia’s new administrative center.
