JAKARTA, June 5, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Indonesia's president has replaced the
head of the country's new capital city, in a surprise shakeup just weeks
before the controversial $32 billion project officially opens on Borneo
island.

The capital of Southeast Asia's biggest economy will formally move in August
from traffic-clogged and sinking Jakarta to the planned city of Nusantara.

The legacy project by outgoing Indonesian President Joko Widodo has been
hampered by a lack of foreign investment, land ownership issues and delays.

"President Jokowi has conducted a leadership change," Bambang Susantono, the
outgoing official, wrote on Instagram late Tuesday.

"Allow me to apologise for any mistakes and shortcomings in my duties," added
Bambang, a former Asian Development Bank official.

The Indonesian government said he resigned without explanation and would be
replaced by Basuki Hadimuljono, the country's public works and housing
minister.

Bambang's deputy, Dhony Rahajoe, was replaced by a deputy agrarian minister.

The sudden change was described as "shocking and strange" by opposition
lawmaker Mardani Ali Sera.

Both officials were known for their professionalism and careful approach to
the megaproject, he told AFP.

The new city is scheduled to begin operating as the country's new political
centre on August 17, Indonesia's independence day.

Environmentalists have warned that the planned city will speed up
deforestation in one of the world's largest stretches of tropical rainforest.

The Indonesian government aims to have 1.9 million people living in Nusantara
by 2045, importing a wave of human and industrial activity into the heart of
Borneo.

Thousands of civil servants are expected to move to the city in September to
begin work, but Jakarta's plan has already been delayed by several months due
to slow construction.