Indonesia’s $33B Capital Relocation Plan Is Imploding | WSJ Breaking Ground

Jakarta is the fastest sinking city in the world, and the Indonesian government is moving its capital 800 miles away from the island of Java. Nusantara is set to open next month but with investors pulling out, project heads resigning and little complete, the city’s fate remains uncertain.

WSJ explores how the promised capital risks squandering Indonesia’s funds and damaging the country’s reputation.

Chapters:
0:00 Moving Indonesia’s capital
1:04 Why Nusantara?
2:30 Challenges in construction
4:30 Geopolitical criticism
5:58 Future of the project

Breaking Ground
Breaking Ground digs into megaprojects around the world, uncovering what these developments might mean for the surrounding region and the ultimate costs.

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[MultiSciGeek]

33 billion for a city of 2.5 million is insanely cheap by some measures. For context - the World Cup stadium in Qatar costed 50+ billion and was basically only used for a week.

[jackred]

Naming a city Nusantara, is like naming a city America. Nusantara is the historical name for the entire Maritime South East Asia region.

[ianhomerpura]

0:48 Nusantara isn't in the middle of nowhere though. It's right smack in the middle of two major cities - Balikpapan and Samarinda. Basically they're building the start of a huge metropolitan area.

[fajarsetiawan]

Egypt's new capital costs 100 billion plus USD and it looks like a sparse, poorly designed city. The budget for Nusantara actually kinda pale in comparison

[organizedchaos]

They don't mention that Java accounts for 50% of the population so java centric makes sense

[MMM-hnul]

Im from the same Island Borneo, Malaysia. On our side we kinda hope Indonesia do able to make this project happen. it definitely can help both country to grow. Brunei aswell.

[DarthVadeerr]

It's disappointing to see the Wall Street Journal's video on Nusantara presenting outdated footage and misleading information. Contrary to the claim that Nusantara threatens the rainforest, it is being built in an industrial forest area, which already poses a risk to the rainforest regardless of the new capital's construction. The development of Nusantara includes significant efforts toward sustainability and environmental protection. Accurate reporting is crucial for an informed discussion on this important project.

Also the claim that Nusantara is being built "in the middle of nowhere" is inaccurate. Nusantara is strategically located near Balikpapan and Samarinda, both well-connected by toll roads, with plans to link these to Nusantara. These cities will support the new capital. While it's true that local communities face displacement issues, this is a recurring problem due to government incompetence. Instead of halting the project, we should focus on finding solutions to support local communities. Discussions on forums like Skyscrapercity offer more updated and credible information compared to major media outlets like the Wall Street Journal.

[briantarigan]

That bald guy is wrong, Nusantara are located between Balikpapan and Samarinda, both cities are literally the two largest cities in entire island of Borneo by the population and Economy, East Kalimantan is also the province rich with resources and Industry

[editorizal]

The thumbnail is Wonderful but I regret watching this video. Almost everything is outdated, even the narration is outdated. I follow the development of this city and now they decide to build new houses for the people including those who do not have legal documents.

Building a new city is a logical way for a developing country. 30 billion is not an expensive number at all. Fixing Jakarta's problems in the same time will cost 10 times more.

[ahmadbakrizubir]

Critics scoffed when Kuala Lumpur’s administrative center was moved to the undeveloped Putrajaya. Yet, this ambitious project has transformed into one of Malaysia’s iconic landmarks. Builders will build. Commentators will comment. Just do it and don't back down. You got this Indonesia! :)

[MrRoyal]

It’s a first phase of construction folks, you gotta build the basic infrastructures before foreign investments will come in and the government is also giving priority to local investors otherwise Nusantara is owned by foreigners.

[esashaik]

You show old pictures to give the impression Indonesia's new capital city is far from finished.The palace is already complete and so is the other buildings.

[ibadurrohmanmusthofa]

You get a fair point. Moving to a new capital does NOT remove the old problems on Jakarta

[alichahin]

It is hilarious to see Westerners thinking they know what is better for Indonesians than the Indonesians themselves. The condescending tone is grating.

[mashilmi]

All the best Indonesia Maju! Salam Harmoni dari Malaysia 🇲🇾🇲🇾🇲🇾

[loveky]

I can’t wait to go back home! Im leaving indonesia since i was 19 .. its been 13 years now. Can’t wait to bring my kids & visit indonesia back soon:))

[JackRoopers]

0:56 The bald guy is wrong, Nusantara are located between Balikpapan and Samarinda, both cities are literally the two largest cities in entire island of Borneo by the population and Economy, East Kalimantan is also the province rich with resources and Industry.

[chrysllerryu]

6:34 . not a wealthy country? they are 16th largest economy duh. We support INDONESIA from Philippines 🇵🇭🤝🇮🇩. There are lot could happen before 2050, and indonesia could overcome it

[kusumayadimartadinata]

WSJ (media amerika) penggiring opini atas keresahan amerika dan eropa terkait energi terbaharukan yang sampai dengan saat ini indonesia tidak mau mengimport barang mentah ke negara koloni mereka...

[cupofjoen]

Non-regime-buzzer here. Nusantara is Jokowi's political move to have his legacy remembered like previous presidents. Ironically, Nusantara has never been declared in his campaign. This city is not for the people, it's for the government regime to have better quality of life. Lots of land disputes, native people were compensated without relocation plan. Even Jokowi ignored McKinsey's research recommendations on city's water source location. There's no urgency for this. People with common sense knows this. As a native borneo living in Java, you're all duped by Jokowi.