Jokowi's Last Push: Nusantara's Uncertain Future

Indonesian President Joko Widodo, known as Jokowi, spent his first night in the newly designed eagle-shaped Garuda Palace in Nusantara, the planned new capital. Facing significant delays, lack of investment, and managerial issues, Jokowi aims to expedite the project before leaving office in October. However, doubts loom as no foreign funding has materialized, and the project's top two officials recently resigned.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo spent his inaugural night in the eagle-shaped Garuda Palace of Nusantara, the country's proposed new capital, ahead of critical meetings on Monday. The outgoing leader aims to quell fears concerning the struggling infrastructure project.

Known as Jokowi, the president has been striving to complete significant portions of the new capital before his term ends in October. Despite Nusantara enduring numerous construction delays, foreign investment deficits, and operational challenges, Jokowi remains committed. "This is a big job. It can take 10, 15, 20 years," he stated outside the Garuda Palace on Monday.

Set in the jungle of Borneo and costing $32 billion, Nusantara’s future remains uncertain. President-elect Prabowo Subianto has pledged to continue development post-inauguration. However, analysts speculate he may prioritize his "nutritious food" program over the new capital's funding.