Indonesia Marks Independence Day with Ceremony in New Capital, Nusantara

Indonesia celebrated its 79th Independence Day with a ceremony in the unfinished future capital of Nusantara, a city planned to relieve pressure on Jakarta but whose construction has faced delays.

On Saturday, hundreds of officials and invited guests gathered in Nusantara to mark the anniversary of Indonesia's independence. The ceremony was held amid ongoing construction of government buildings, offering a glimpse into the planned transformation that aims to alleviate the challenges faced by Jakarta, the current capital.

President Joko Widodo and his Cabinet ministers participated in the event at the new Presidential Palace, designed in the shape of Garuda, the mythical eagle-winged protector figure. The celebration was initially intended to officially inaugurate Nusantara as the new capital, but delays in construction have pushed back the timeline for the transfer.

Indonesia Marks Independence Day with Ceremony in New Capital, Nusantara

Despite the unfinished state of the city, Widodo stated that the construction of the new capital remains a priority. Nusantara is envisioned as a futuristic green city with abundant forests and parks, powered by renewable energy sources and employing smart waste management. However, the project has drawn criticism from environmentalists and Indigenous communities who express concerns about environmental degradation and the displacement of local populations.

Jakarta, with a population of over 30 million in its greater metropolitan area, has been grappling with chronic flooding, traffic congestion, and severe air and water pollution. Experts predict that one-third of the city could be submerged by 2050 due to uncontrolled groundwater extraction and rising sea levels.

Indonesia Marks Independence Day with Ceremony in New Capital, Nusantara

The construction of Nusantara, spread over 2,600 square kilometers in the jungle of Borneo, has already witnessed the groundbreaking of various government and public buildings, hotels, banks, and schools. The government has provided incentives such as extended land rights and tax breaks to attract investors for the development of the new capital.

Indonesia, with a population of approximately 275 million, is Southeast Asia's largest economy. Despite facing challenges, the construction of Nusantara represents a significant step towards addressing the problems experienced in Jakarta and creating a more sustainable and modern capital for the nation.

* Indonesia celebrated Independence Day in the unfinished future capital, Nusantara.

* The new capital is designed to alleviate pressure on Jakarta, which faces flooding, congestion, and pollution.

* Construction of Nusantara has faced delays, pushing back the timeline for its inauguration.

* The city aims to be a futuristic green city with sustainable features.

* Environmentalists and Indigenous communities have raised concerns about the project's impact.

* Jakarta is facing significant challenges, including flooding and air pollution.

* Nusantara is spread over 2,600 square kilometers in the jungle of Borneo.

* The government is providing incentives to attract investors for the development of the new capital.

* Indonesia is Southeast Asia's largest economy, with a population of around 275 million.

* The construction of Nusantara symbolizes Indonesia's efforts to address urban challenges and build a more sustainable future.