History & Timeline
From a president's dream in the 1950s to a capital rising in the Kalimantan rainforest: this is the story of how Nusantara came to be.
From a president's dream in the 1950s to a capital rising in the Kalimantan rainforest: this is the story of how Nusantara came to be.
A Capital in the Jungle
President Sukarno breaks ground on Palangkaraya, deep in Central Kalimantan, envisioning it as a new capital at the geographic heart of the archipelago. The plan stalls, and Jakarta remains the seat of government.
A Second Attempt
President Suharto floats relocating the capital to Jonggol, West Java. Like Sukarno's Kalimantan dream before it, the plan never materializes.
East Kalimantan Is Chosen
President Joko Widodo announces that Indonesia's new capital will rise in East Kalimantan, spanning North Penajam Paser and Kutai Kartanegara regencies, easing the burden on an overcrowded, sinking Jakarta.
The Name: Nusantara
The new capital is officially named Nusantara, an old word for the Indonesian archipelago itself.
The Law Is Signed
Indonesia's parliament passes the State Capital Law, and President Widodo signs it into force on 15 February 2022, establishing the Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN) to lead the new capital's development.
Breaking Ground
A groundbreaking ceremony on the future site marks the formal start of construction.
The Private Sector Arrives
The first privately funded projects (hotels, a hospital, a mall) begin construction, worth an estimated Rp 40 trillion.
Wings Take Shape
President Widodo installs the first of 4,650 copper blades on the Garuda Wing, the sculptural, Garuda-shaped presidential office designed by artist Nyoman Nuarta.
The Palace Complex Is Complete
Construction of the Presidential Palace complex (the Garuda Palace, the State Palace, and their surrounding grounds) finishes on schedule, ready for its first ceremony.
Nusantara's First Independence Day
For the first time, Indonesia marks its Independence Day in its new capital. President Widodo leads the 79th-anniversary flag ceremony at the Nusantara State Palace, with president-elect Prabowo Subianto at his side.
The Government Moves In
Civil servants begin relocating to Nusantara in stages, moving into new housing towers as ministries and agencies establish a daily presence in the new capital.
What's Next
Nusantara's legislative and judicial districts are targeted for completion, positioning the new capital to formally take over as Indonesia's seat of government.
The story is still being written. See how far construction has come today.