KBRN, Jakarta: The US-based international media outlet, The World, has praised Indonesia's Nusantara Capital City (IKN) in East Kalimantan, calling it one of the most ambitious and visionary city development projects currently underway anywhere in the world.

In its latest report, The World assessed that IKN has great potential to become a prototype city of the future because it integrates modern technology, environmental sustainability, and resilience to climate change.

"As the city of the future, Nusantara carries a grand vision, by 2045, it is targeted to expand to twice the size of New York and achieve the status of a city with zero carbon emissions," the report wrote, according to an official statement from the Nusantara Capital City Authority (OIKN) in Jakarta, Tuesday, November 18, 2025, as quoted by Antara.

The report also revealed that the Indonesian government is implementing a sustainable development concept, including the use of solar energy for street lighting, electric-based public transportation, and other low-emission mobility systems.

Technological innovation is a key element in the development of this city. IKN is designed with an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based urban planning system, biometric scanning technology for security, and plans for autonomous flying taxis in the future when the time is right.

These futuristic technologies are expected to make Nusantara one of the most advanced cities in Southeast Asia within the next two decades.

The decision to build IKN from scratch in Kalimantan was a strategic move to address the risks of climate instability and Jakarta's vulnerability to disasters. The location of IKN was chosen because it has a low risk of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and major floods. By building the city from the initial stage, the government has the scope to arrange a more measured, adaptive, and research-based modern urban layout.

Currently, most of Nusantara's core area is still in the construction phase, and public access remains limited. The initial residents are predominantly young civil servants (ASN), particularly Generation Z, who live in high-rise residential buildings and are pioneering a new social life in IKN.

"This young generation wants to ensure Nusantara does not repeat Jakarta's urban planning mistakes and can emerge as a proud capital city in the eyes of the world. Their spirit is viewed as a very valuable social capital for IKN's long-term success," the report stated.

The government aims for Nusantara to be fully functional as the national governmental and political center within the next 3–4 years. By 2028, President Prabowo Subianto, along with central ministries and institutions, is expected to be permanently officed in Nusantara. The presence of the central government will be a defining phase in strengthening legitimacy and accelerating further development.

In a Q&A session, the Head of the Nusantara Capital City Authority (OIKN), Basuki Hadimuljono, affirmed that IKN is a strategic long-term project that requires full attention and commitment.

"This is not just a project for me, okay! It's like a baby. So we have to manage it with full love," he said.

With international support, the contribution of the young generation, and consistent government commitment, Nusantara is believed to be a symbol of Indonesia's transformation toward a developed country by 2045. The World considers this project an initiative that deserves global attention, and Nusantara continues to move toward realizing this vision. ***