Indonesia's Nusantara Capital Project Hits Snag, Leaving Investors Worried of 'Ghost City'
The ambitious new capital project for Indonesia has hit a snag, with state funding plummeting by over half since former president Joko Widodo launched the initiative three years ago. The funding now stands at £700m, down from £2bn in 2024, sparking concerns that the project may be heading towards becoming a 'ghost city'.
The project's new leader, Prabowo Subianto, has quietly downgraded Nusantara to a "political capital", despite promises of it being a thriving metropolis. The shift has raised eyebrows among experts and local residents who claim the new designation has no meaning in Indonesian law.
Critics argue that the lack of investment and political commitment from Prabowo's administration may spell doom for the project, with some citing reports of construction delays and environmental concerns. Environmental groups warn of a potential ecological disaster as mangrove forests are cleared to make way for infrastructure projects, including a new highway and port.
Local residents have also expressed frustration over promises that were never fulfilled, such as clean water from a new plant that was supposed to be built on the Sepaku River. Some even claim that flooding has worsened since the construction of the dam, cutting their harvests in half.
Despite these concerns, officials maintain that funding is available and commitment to the project remains unwavering. However, analysts suggest that Prabowo's focus lies elsewhere, with his flagship free schools meals program being the priority.
The Nusantara project was initially touted as a green city with only 25% of its 252,000-hectare site developed, but concerns have grown about the environmental impact and whether it will benefit local communities. Visitors to the site, such as Clariza from Sulawesi, describe it as clean and modern, like something impossible in the jungle.
However, many also comment on the 'ghostly' atmosphere of the new city, with few residents and a lack of activity, making it feel "strange and quiet". The question remains whether Nusantara will become a thriving hub for Indonesia or a ghost town that fails to deliver on its promises.
The ambitious new capital project for Indonesia has hit a snag, with state funding plummeting by over half since former president Joko Widodo launched the initiative three years ago. The funding now stands at £700m, down from £2bn in 2024, sparking concerns that the project may be heading towards becoming a 'ghost city'.
The project's new leader, Prabowo Subianto, has quietly downgraded Nusantara to a "political capital", despite promises of it being a thriving metropolis. The shift has raised eyebrows among experts and local residents who claim the new designation has no meaning in Indonesian law.
Critics argue that the lack of investment and political commitment from Prabowo's administration may spell doom for the project, with some citing reports of construction delays and environmental concerns. Environmental groups warn of a potential ecological disaster as mangrove forests are cleared to make way for infrastructure projects, including a new highway and port.
Local residents have also expressed frustration over promises that were never fulfilled, such as clean water from a new plant that was supposed to be built on the Sepaku River. Some even claim that flooding has worsened since the construction of the dam, cutting their harvests in half.
Despite these concerns, officials maintain that funding is available and commitment to the project remains unwavering. However, analysts suggest that Prabowo's focus lies elsewhere, with his flagship free schools meals program being the priority.
The Nusantara project was initially touted as a green city with only 25% of its 252,000-hectare site developed, but concerns have grown about the environmental impact and whether it will benefit local communities. Visitors to the site, such as Clariza from Sulawesi, describe it as clean and modern, like something impossible in the jungle.
However, many also comment on the 'ghostly' atmosphere of the new city, with few residents and a lack of activity, making it feel "strange and quiet". The question remains whether Nusantara will become a thriving hub for Indonesia or a ghost town that fails to deliver on its promises.
. First off, £700m is like, peanuts compared to what was promised. And now Prabowo's downgrading it to a "political capital"? Sounds like just another PR stunt to me 
. And those environmental concerns? Can't even get the basics right with clean water and mangrove forests being cleared left and right 
. Local residents are getting shafted, flooding is affecting their harvests... it's just a disaster waiting to happen 
. Investors are gonna regret backing this project big time 
. It's just another example of Indonesia's notorious development woes 
.
This Nusantara project is like the ultimate symbol of human aspirations - we want to create this perfect, modern city in the middle of nature 
. It's like we're saying, "We can just build anything and make nature disappear." No wonder local residents are frustrated when their promises aren't fulfilled 
.
. And at the end of the day, will Nusantara just be another ghost town that leaves us with nothing but regrets? 
. environmental groups are right to be concerned too - mangrove forests being cleared is no joke 
. the new leader seems more focused on other projects, and it feels like nusantara is just an afterthought 
. i guess we'll just have to wait and see if prabowo's team can turn things around 
.
They went from £2bn to £700m in just 3 yrs?! 
That's like losin half ur investment rn 
The stats are straight fire btw:
the whole thing just feels like a "ghost city" 
. Like what's the point of buildin this city if no one's gonna live there? 
. And those promises that never got fulfilled? Yeah, that's just frustrating for local residents who were promised a better life but instead they're stuck with more flooding and less water 
. I think the 'ghost city' vibe is legit - it feels like a fancy idea that nobody's really committed to making happen 
First, it's the funding issue, now it's about Prabowo's priorities shifting. What's going on here? This Nusantara project was supposed to be some kinda revolutionary green city, but all we're hearing is about delays and environmental concerns. I've been following this from the start and honestly, I'm just losing hope. 
.
but still, 252k hectares is crazy big for one city! 
can't say for sure tho 
...like, we all know projects like dis r hard to manage & funds r subject 2 change 4givn 
... £700m is still way too low for something as massive as a new capital city 
? i mean, i get it, free schools meals are important, but come on, can't they prioritize the people who need this city most - like clariza from sulawesi, for example? 
. all i see is a bunch of empty lots with no signs of life 
. let's keep an eye on this project, folks 
! £700m is peanuts compared to the initial £2bn promise... what happened to all that money? 
. Meanwhile, Prabowo's focus is on free schools meals... what about the future of Nusantara? 
. dont get me wrong, its good that ppl r care about enviro concerns & all but like can we jst chill for a sec? 
maybe its not the perfect idea but its still a big project. idk what clariza from sulawesi means by it lookin modern in the jungle tho 
. The local residents are right to be frustrated - they deserve better than promises that never come true 
i just hope that someone takes responsibility for this mess and makes sure it doesn't end up as a ghost city 