| Abstract |
The most populous and important city in the Republic of Indonesia is Jakarta. However, given the prevalent social and environmental challenges afflicting the metropolis, the Jokowi government resolved, in 2019, to initiate the construction of a new capital entirely anew. The selected site for the Ibu Kota Nusantara (Capital City of Indonesia) is the remote Eastern Kalimatan region, situated in the island of Borneo, a location globally acknowledged for its significance for the environmental stability of the entire region. This research seeks not only to understand the economic and political reasons that stand behind the implementation of this ambitious infrastructural mega-project, scheduled for realization in 2045. It aims also to delve into the realization of the IKN, highlighting the alignment of theoretical expectations with practical outcomes. The analysis concentrates on comprehending the vision of the city articulated in official planning documents, involving an exploration of the significance of terms employed, such as Sustainable City, Green City, Smart City, forest city, and sponge city. Given the peculiar sensitivity of the social and environmental context in which the new capital is situated, is required a deeper examination to establish how these conceptual frameworks are implemented in the construction of Nagara Rimba Nusa (Forest Archipelago City) and to the tangible impact of the novel structural elements on the surrounding environment. Observations and findings underscore the problematic aspects and contradictions within the project concerning the relationship with Nusantara City and its social and environmental background. Consequently is crucial for stakeholders to ponder critically on these challenges and to consider the central role of local advisors, including native communities and ONGs, in a more inclusive decision-making. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. |
