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Nusantara Struggles: Budget Cuts Threaten Indonesia's New Capital

9/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Nusantara, Indonesia's new capital, faces significant challenges a year post-inauguration, including budget cuts and construction delays.
President Prabowo Subianto has shifted focus to welfare projects, slashing the capital's budget from 43.4 trillion to 6.3 trillion rupiah.
Only 1,000 city authority employees live in Nusantara, far short of the 2 million target by 2045.
Officials report 97-98% completion of the core government area, yet many facilities remain unfinished.
Local businesses experience a sharp decline in earnings, with some on the brink of closure.
Experts caution that without robust political backing, Nusantara may become a "white elephant."

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Story summary

Nusantara, Indonesia's new capital, faces significant challenges a year post-inauguration, including budget cuts and construction delays.
President Prabowo Subianto has shifted focus to welfare projects, slashing the capital's budget from 43.4 trillion to 6.3 trillion rupiah.
Only 1,000 city authority employees live in Nusantara, far short of the 2 million target by 2045.
Officials report 97-98% completion of the core government area, yet many facilities remain unfinished.
Local businesses experience a sharp decline in earnings, with some on the brink of closure.
Experts caution that without robust political backing, Nusantara may become a "white elephant."