- Flying Taxis: Indonesia's new capital city takes off
Indonesia is aiming high with its new capital, Nusantara - literally. What seems like a sci-fi movie utopia almost everywhere else in the world is becoming a reality on Borneo: flying cars are set to conquer the skies and revolutionize the transport system. A recent unmanned test flight at Samarinda Airport on the island of Borneo, around 100 kilometers from Nusantara, was a success.
The prototype hovered in the air for ten minutes at a height of 50 meters, traveling at about 50 kilometers per hour. Equipped with electric power and multiple rotors, these flying taxis can take off and land vertically, making long runways unnecessary, according to officials involved in the project. They are also quieter than helicopters, reducing noise pollution in urban areas.
Flying without pilots
Two models are planned for the future of Nusantara's skies: larger taxis that can carry a pilot, up to four passengers, and their luggage, as well as smaller cargo planes that can carry up to 100 kilograms of freight. Both models can fly autonomously without a pilot.
The prototypes were developed by the South Korean Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) in collaboration with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute. "Indonesia's unique geography and rapid urbanization make it an ideal testing ground for urban air mobility solutions," said Cheol-ung Kim, a senior HMG employee. The company is working closely with the Indonesian government and industry to make this vision a reality.
Green smart city
The technology is still in its early stages, but the Indonesian government is optimistic that it will significantly transform the country's future transportation. Nusantara, in East Kalimantan province, is being built as a sustainable smart city, with flying taxis being a key part of this concept.
"Nusantara is designed as a living lab for innovations, and this successful test flight is proof that we are committed to cutting-edge technologies like urban air mobility," said Muhammad Ali Berawi, who is responsible for green and digital transformation at the Nusantara capital authority. The test flight was a "significant milestone."
It took place on the same day that outgoing President Joko Widodo worked for the first time in a new presidential palace office in Nusantara, instead of Jakarta. Recently, the popular politician announced that the first phase of construction is already 80 percent complete.
Nature meets high-tech
Jokowi, as the leader is known in his homeland, announced the move to Nusantara in 2019. The main reason is that the current capital, Jakarta on Java, is slowly sinking, with large parts of the city already below sea level. The entire northern Jakarta area could be flooded by 2050. Traffic congestion and smog in the megacity of 11 million people (and almost 34 million in the metropolitan area) are also major issues.
Construction began in 2022. Nusantara is planned as an urban utopia where green spaces and nature coexist with high-tech. Only electric vehicles will be allowed, and all energy will come from renewable sources.
The new capital is President Jokowi's legacy, who has been steering the fortunes of the rising regional power since 2014. After two terms, he must step down in October and will be succeeded by the current Defense Minister, Prabowo Subianto, who won the election in February.
By 2045, around 1.9 million citizens are expected to reside in Nusantara, covering an area of 260,000 hectares (for comparison, Berlin covers 89,100 hectares). By then, flying taxis could already be a common sight.
Inauguration on Independence Day
Currently, water and electricity supplies, as well as internet connections, are functioning well, according to Jokowi after his first day of work in the new office. Thousands of workers are tirelessly constructing necessary infrastructure, including hospitals, the airport, government housing, and schools.
For the first time, celebrations will not only take place in Jakarta but also in Nusantara on Independence Day, August 17. The new capital will be officially inaugurated on this day, marking a new chapter in the history of the world's largest island nation.
However, there are also critics. Reports suggest that many locals in Borneo had their land taken without adequate compensation. Environmentalists warn about the impact of mass migration on the unique flora and fauna in the jungles of East Kalimantan, home to some of the last orangutans.
The flying taxis, powered by electric energy and equipped with multiple rotors, are expected to replace traditional helicopters in Nusantara, reducing noise pollution. The larger autonomous taxis can carry a pilot, passengers, and luggage, while smaller cargo planes can carry up to 100 kilograms of freight, both without the need for pilots.
