Indonesia Celebrates 79th Independence Day Amid Future Capital's Construction Hurdles

Indonesia marked 79 years of independence with a ceremony in the future capital, Nusantara, even as its construction lags. President Joko Widodo and his Cabinet attended, highlighting the challenges faced in relocating from the congested, sinking Jakarta. Sustainability concerns persist amid environmental and indigenous community criticisms.

Indonesia celebrated its 79th Independence Day on Saturday with a ceremony in the unfinished future capital, Nusantara, which is intended to relieve pressure on the congested and sinking Jakarta. However, the construction of Nusantara has faced significant delays.

Hundreds of officials and invited guests, dressed in traditional Indonesian tribal clothes, congregated on a stretch of grass amid ongoing construction and visible cranes. President Joko Widodo and his Cabinet were present at the new Presidential Palace, designed in the shape of the mythical Garuda figure, to lead the celebration.

Originally planned to inaugurate Nusantara as the new capital, the celebration's scope was reduced due to the lack of adequate infrastructure. Despite these challenges, Widodo held his first Cabinet meeting at the new Presidential Palace in late July. With over 5,000 officers deployed for security, the ceremony was a significant event amid criticisms from environmentalists and Indigenous communities concerned about the project's ecological impact.

(With inputs from agencies.)