Building Nusantara: a comparative study on capital city relocation and the path towards a smart, sustainable urban future

Abstract

Nusantara, the planned new capital city of Indonesia, aspires to be a green, smart, and sustainable city. This paper explores the political, economic, and social dimensions of Nusantara's development, focusing on the strategic decision to relocate the capital from Jakarta. The research analyzes the challenges and trade-offs involved in balancing environmental conservation with the need for urban development. It evaluates the policies and initiatives implemented to achieve the vision of a smart and sustainable city, considering the integration of technology, digital infrastructure, and data management. Drawing on comparative analysis, the paper examines historical parallels and precedents in capital relocation projects worldwide to derive lessons for Nusantara's development. The findings highlight the importance of environmental governance, public participation, and stakeholder engagement in achieving a sustainable and inclusive urban environment. The paper concludes with recommendations for policymakers and identifies avenues for future research in the field of sustainable urban development and capital relocation.