Jakarta: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to developing the country’s new capital, Nusantara, during his first official visit to the site since taking office.
Prabowo visited Nusantara in East Kalimantan on Borneo island on Sunday and stayed overnight, signalling continued political support for the long delayed project that is meant to replace Jakarta as the national capital. During the visit, he met senior officials and reviewed ongoing construction and infrastructure works.
The plan to build Nusantara was launched in 2022 to ease congestion, flooding and environmental pressure in Jakarta. However, progress slowed in recent years due to funding challenges, delays in attracting private investment and changes to land ownership rules that made some investors cautious.
President Prabowo said the relocation of the capital remains a long term national priority, even as his administration takes a more careful approach to spending. The government has set a target to complete key buildings for the executive, legislative and judicial branches by 2028, rather than rushing the process.
Officials said several executive offices are already completed, while work continues on other major structures. Civic facilities are also moving forward, including the state mosque in Nusantara, which is expected to be fully operational during Ramadan later this year.
The visit was seen as an important message to investors and the public that the project has not been abandoned under the new leadership. Analysts say sustained political backing will be crucial if Nusantara is to progress steadily amid economic pressures and competing budget priorities.
After leaving Nusantara, President Prabowo was scheduled to continue his trip to East Java, as part of his broader domestic engagement programme.