TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Indonesia’s new capital Nusantara could be a prime opportunity for Taiwanese investments, according to Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) Chair James Huang (黃志芳).

Starting in August, the Indonesian government will gradually relocate the capital from Jakarta to Nusantara in East Kalimantan province, per CNA. Civil servants are expected to move to the new capital this year.

Huang led a Taiwanese delegation to the Nusantara Capital City Authority in Jakarta, where they received a briefing on construction progress and details of the new capital from Rusmin Lawin, an advisor to the Capital Authority.

Lawin said the new capital aims to become a green and smart city, with 12 main sectors being developed, including renewable energy, transportation, and housing.

“From 2035 to 2039, all infrastructure will be completed to accelerate the development of Kalimantan,” he said. “By 2040 to 2045, the goal is to achieve the reputation of being a world city shared by all.”

Furthermore, Lawin said Taiwan businesses are interested in investing in the new capital. “In 2021, I met with two to three Taiwanese companies who were interested in investing in the smart city aspects of the new capital,” he remarked. “Another Taiwanese company is involved in waste-to-energy and others are in the healthcare industry."

Huang said Taiwanese businesses should focus on Nusantara’s smart city construction and green energy. “Nusantara will serve as a model area for smart city solutions and will aim to maximize the use of green energy, presenting opportunities for Taiwanese businesses in these sectors.”