Nusantara Capital City (IKN) is more than just an urban development; it embodies a bold vision for the future of cities worldwide. Rapidly emerging in East Kalimantan, IKN is poised to become a leading symbol of smart, green, and sustainable urbanization. Through its ambitious integration of cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly practices, Nusantara is attracting significant international investments and thousands of tourists daily, establishing itself as a modern hub for governance and eco-conscious living.

According to the Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN), IKN currently attracts between 3,000 and 5,000 visitors each day, even during its construction phase. At the ESG Symposium 2024 in Jakarta, Lazuardi Nasution, OIKN’s Director of Investment and Business Facilities, remarked, “We believe that IKN has emerged as a tourism destination,” highlighting how the city’s innovative infrastructure captivates visitors. In order to enhance accessibility, the government is fast-tracking the construction of a toll road that will reduce travel time from Balikpapan to Nusantara from 2.5 hours to approximately 45-50 minutes, with completion expected by December 2024.

A cornerstone of Nusantara’s vision is its transformation into a cutting-edge digital hub. A landmark partnership between Indonesia’s Sinar Mas Group, led by Chairman Franky O. Widjaja, and South Korea’s LG CNS is driving this initiative. Their collaboration targets six key areas: data centers and cloud services, financial technology, public and smart city infrastructure, smart manufacturing, telecommunications, and global trade. A flagship project is Indonesia’s first AI-powered data center, set to rise in Nusantara’s commercial zone. With an investment of USD 3 billion, the facility is expected to be operational by 2027, serving leading enterprises, including banks and multinational corporations. This joint venture, LG Sinar Mas, exemplifies the seamless integration of technology and sustainability, positioning Nusantara as a technological leader in Southeast Asia.

In addition to its technological ambitions, President Prabowo Subianto has prioritized Nusantara’s development as Indonesia’s new center for governance over the next four to five years. Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono noted that the construction of executive institutions, including ministerial buildings, is nearing completion. Future efforts will focus on legislative and judiciary offices, further solidifying Nusantara’s role as the nation’s administrative core. The city’s development aligns with Indonesia’s broader sustainability goals, integrating eco-friendly solutions into its design to create a self-sustaining metropolis that harmonizes modern technology with environmental preservation.

Economic cooperation between Indonesia and Taiwan has emerged as a pivotal force in driving growth and innovation in both regions. The partnership leverages Indonesia’s rich natural resources and vast market alongside Taiwan's advanced technological expertise and manufacturing capabilities. This collaboration spans various sectors, including investment, industrial development, and emerging industries such as renewable energy and digital technology.

Taiwan has experienced a trade deficit with Indonesia in recent years, largely due to the latter's abundance of high-demand resources like palm oil and coal. Consequently, Taiwan has seen the establishment of over 2,000 Taiwanese-funded enterprises in Indonesia, alongside around 10,000 Taiwanese businesspersons and technicians working in the country. In 2023, total trade between Taiwan and Indonesia reached approximately US$10.421 billion, positioning Indonesia as Taiwan’s 13th-largest trading partner.

The development of IKN is also benefiting from international cooperation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) recently organized a workshop to address urban development challenges, focusing on economic growth, sustainable development, and innovative financing. As Nusantara evolves, it exemplifies a harmonious blend of innovation and ecological stewardship, integrating green initiatives that ensure a balance between urban development and environmental preservation.

Nusantara Capital City represents more than just a construction project; it is a bold declaration of Indonesia’s unwavering commitment to a sustainable and prosperous future. By merging tradition with innovation and environmental stewardship, IKN is set to become a shining example of how urban spaces can thrive in harmony with nature. As it rises, Nusantara is redefining what it means to live, work, and govern in the 21st century, carving out a legacy that will inspire cities around the globe. This groundbreaking endeavor stands as a testament to the extraordinary possibilities that emerge when visionary thinking aligns with a steadfast commitment to sustainability.