NUSANTARA (IKN)

Nusantara, officially the Nusantara Capital City (Ibu Kota Nusantara, IKN), is a purpose-built city under construction on the island of Borneo. It is designed to replace Jakarta as Indonesia’s political capital, a move intended to alleviate the severe overcrowding, traffic congestion, and environmental challenges including the fact that Jakarta is rapidly sinking facing the current capital. This monumental project, launched by former President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, aims to be a sustainable “forest city” and a new symbol of national progress.

Located on Borneo (Kalimantan), The IKN site is in the East Kalimantan – primarily within Kutai Kartanegara and Penajam North Paser Regencies, it is designed as a smart, sustainable, and equitable city aligned with Indonesia’s Vision 2045 goals. With an estimated project value of over US$35 billion, Nusantara is planned to be Indonesia’s political and administrative centre by 2028, featuring government offices, residential areas, and extensive green spaces, supporting a carbon-neutral and eco-friendly urban ecosystem. The city development is phased, with ambitious goals to promote economic growth, social welfare, and environmental conservation.

Future Cities criteria compliance

Environmental & Nature

Sustainability lies at the core of Nusantara’s design, with more than 65% of its area reserved for green and open spaces. The city applies green economy principles, focusing on renewable energy, low-carbon transport, circular waste management, and biodiversity preservation. The city aims to achieve Net-Zero Emissions by 2045 by relying entirely on 100% renewable energy sources, primarily solar and hydropower, avoiding fossil fuels for city operations.

Smart City

It is envisioned as Indonesia’s first smart forest city, integrating advanced digital systems for governance, mobility, and infrastructure. The city will employ Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, smart grids, autonomous electric transport, and AI-based public services to ensure efficiency and data-driven decision-making. The Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN) aims to build a fully connected, digital-first capital powered by renewable energy and intelligent transport systems.

Human-Centric

The urban design focuses on high quality of life through the “10-Minute City” concept, ensuring that all essential amenities, services, and public transport nodes are accessible within a short walk or cycle from any residential area. IKN is designed to be highly walkable and bikeable, with extensive green corridors, parks, and cultural zones integrated with the forest environment. The government plans to leverage digital platforms to deliver seamless, inclusive e-governance services for citizens, enhancing transparency and administrative efficiency.

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