Weeks before its launch, Indonesia changes leader of the upcoming capital.
The Indonesian government made an unexpected announcement that Bambang Susantono had resigned without divulging any reason. In his stead, Basuki Hadimuljono, Minister of Public Works and Housing, will take over. Dhony Rahajoe, the project's deputy leader, also lost his position.
Opposition MP Mardani Ali Sera found the sudden change "shocking and odd." He noted that both Bambang Susantono and Dhony Rahajoe were known for their expertise and careful handling of the Borneo island's megaproject, as reported by news agency AFP.
Nusantara, the new capital of the largest Southeast Asian economy, is predicted to be inaugurated on August 17 - Indonesia's Independence Day. The planned city was the idea of President Joko Widodo before his term ended.
The $32 billion project has faced difficulties, including minimal foreign investment, land disputes, and delays. Environmentalists fear that the new city could contribute to deforestation in one of the world's biggest tropical rainforest regions.
The government aims to have 1.9 million residents in Nusantara by 2045, with industrial activity on Borneo. Scheduled to move there in September, thousands of officials are expected to relocate. However, the opening of Jakarta has been postponed due to construction delays.
