China, US among Countries Offering to Help Indonesia Build New Capital

I ndonesian officials are welcoming offers from China, Japan and the United States to help build the Southeast Asian nation’s “smart and green” new national capital on Borneo island, a project expected to begin later this year. The involvement of foreign consultants, including those from the three countries, is needed to attract investors to the project, said Danis Hidayat Sumadilaga, director general of human settlements at the Ministry of Public Works.

“There have been offers from Japan, China and the United States. We welcome all of them,” Danis told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. Foreign involvement could “enrich the existing design so that it becomes more attractive,” he added.

China is seeking a role in designing urban landscapes and water management, while the U.S. wants to help build infrastructure such as roads and bridges, Danis said. Meanwhile, Japan has expressed interest in building the future city’s transportation and energy system.

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