Indonesia’s new $30 billion capital city is hit by 'delays'

What is causing the delays in Indonesia’s new capital city and when will it be complete?

A general view shows under-construction buildings that will be used by the Indonesian government in the future capital Nusantara
(Image credit: BAY ISMOYO / Contributor)

Indonesia’s first planned independence day celebrations at its multi-billion-dollar new capital city were a damp squib, say A. Anantha Lakshmi and Diana Mariska in the Financial Times. The government was forced into an “embarrassing climbdown” and had to scale back plans and withdraw invitations to foreign dignitaries as it became obvious the new city would not be ready on time.

What's causing Indonesia's new capital to be delayed? 

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Stuart Watkins
Comment editor, MoneyWeek

Stuart graduated from the University of Leeds with an honours degree in biochemistry and molecular biology, and from Bath Spa University College with a postgraduate diploma in creative writing. 

He started his career in journalism working on newspapers and magazines for the medical profession before joining MoneyWeek shortly after its first issue appeared in November 2000. He has worked for the magazine ever since, and is now the comment editor. 

He has long had an interest in political economy and philosophy and writes occasional think pieces on this theme for the magazine, as well as a weekly round up of the best blogs in finance. 

His work has appeared in The Lancet and The Idler and in numerous other small-press and online publications.