Nusantara: Indonesia's New Capital City – A Model for Climate-Resilient Urban Development - East Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia

Water Storage Rural-Urban Fringe

Climate Adaptive Green

Climate Adaptation - Heat Stress Measures

Nature-based Solutions (large scale)

Climate adaptation - Flood measures

Created at: 17 Feb 2025

Description

Nusantara is the ambitious intiative of Indonesia to establish a new capital city in East Kalimantan, located on Borneo. The project aims to address the significant environmental challenges that face Jakarta - the former capital - such as flooding, land subsidence, and overcrowding. The new capital aims to become a model for climate resilient, sustainable urban development. Extensive green infrastructure, renewable energy solutions, and smart technologies are intertwined with Nusantara's plans to become a climate-adaptive city that balances urban development with ecological preservation (source: The Momentum).

Manifesting the Paradigm

Political processes and ideological considerations play a vital role in deciding the master plan and final architectural design of the principal structures in a new national capital, alongside academic and professional deliberations. The act of naming a new capital city, as well as the selection of physical patterns and forms, are significant since they reflect the hopes, dreams, intents, and ideologies of the state’s leaders. This intangible narrative is given shape by architectural planning and design languages, like typology, morphology, and geometry

(source: FuturArc).

The winning concept that will helm the new capital’s design and development is called Nagara Rimba Nusa, which is intended to be an ecologically sensitive forest-based smart city. However, the degree of implementation in the construction stage is yet to be seen (source: FuturArc).

Climate Adaptation Features

Flood Resilience: Situated in a region with lower flood risk compared to Jakarta, Nusantara’s design incorporates natural topography and advanced engineering to prevent flooding. The city will feature comprehensive water management systems, including rainwater harvesting, sustainable drainage solutions, and flood-resistant infrastructure, aimed at ensuring the city’s resilience against the rising water levels and climate-induced flooding (source: The Momentum).
Green Infrastructure: The city is envisioned as a "smart forest city," with extensive green spaces, parks, and urban forests. These green areas will not only enhance biodiversity and improve air quality but will also help in managing the urban heat island effect, a growing concern in tropical cities. The integration of green infrastructure reflects a commitment to creating a city that harmonizes with nature, a key element of its climate adaptation strategy (source: GovInsider).
Renewable Energy Integration: Nusantara’s power will come from renewable sources such as solar and wind. Plans to incorporate renewable energy technologies aim to reduce the city’s carbon footprint, making it an eco-friendly model of development that contributes to global climate goals. The city’s commitment to clean energy is designed to minimize dependence on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions (source: Northeastern News).
Sustainable Transportation: Nusantara's urban planning emphasizes sustainable mobility, with a goal of achieving 80% of travel by public transport, cycling, or walking. By prioritizing non-motorized transport and clean public transit options, the city will not only reduce traffic congestion but also contribute to better air quality and lower emissions (source: Eco-Business).
Smart City Technologies: A central part of Nusantara’s development is the integration of smart technologies. The city will feature an extensive network of IoT devices and AI-driven systems to optimize energy usage, waste management, and traffic flow. These technologies will enhance the city’s sustainability by making urban systems more efficient and responsive to environmental changes (source: GovInsider).
Natural Climate Adaptation Measures: The city will include valleys and natural catchment areas designed to manage stormwater and prevent flooding. Additionally, mangrove ecoparks will serve as natural coastal defenses, protecting against erosion and storm surges while supporting biodiversity. Manmade bioswales will be integrated into urban landscapes to naturally filter and manage rainwater runoff, improving water quality and reducing urban flooding risks.

Project Significance

Nusantara is more than just a capital relocation; it represents a shift in Indonesia’s approach to urbanization and climate adaptation. As one of the world’s largest planned urban developments, it has the potential to set a global benchmark for sustainable city building. With its emphasis on resilience, smart infrastructure, and ecological balance, Nusantara could serve as a model for future climate-adaptive urban projects worldwide (source: FuturArc).

The city’s development aligns with Indonesia’s commitment to fulfilling the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas such as clean water, climate action, life below water, and life on land. By prioritizing ecological preservation and integrating advanced technology, Nusantara aims to ensure a sustainable and resilient future for Indonesia’s urban population (source: FuturArc).

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Images

Tagar.id, Konsep 4 Pilar Nagara Rimba Nusa. Link.

Photo credit: PUPR Permukiman Kaltim (East Kalimantan Public Works and Public Housing Office) / Dian Rana YouTube, Public Domain. Source.

Construction Plus Indonesia Issue 19; URBAN+; Indonesian Ministry of Public Works and Housing

Source: BPMI Sekretariat Presiden Republik Indonesia/Vico, First Indonesia Independence Ceremony at the Garuda Palace, August 2024. Link

oogle Earth, Nusantara, 2/13/2020. Image copyright 2025 Maxar Technologies

NASA Earth Observatory / Michala Garrison, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey, Public Domain. Link

Residential towers for government employees in Nusantara, Indonesia, by Ministry of Housing and Residential Areas of the Republic of Indonesia - pkp.go.id, Public Domain. Source

Taman Kusuma Bangsa in IKN of Indonesia, by Nusantara city gov. office - Source, Public Domain. Link

About the author

Ruben Matahelumual

• Submitted 1033 projects
• Expert at Climate Events - Learning From Trouble
• Germany