Indonesia's ambitious new capital faces unwelcome visitors: rats
Videos of rodents darting between crowds in the country's planned capital city on Borneo island quickly spread across Indonesian social media in recent days.
In response, the Nusantara Capital Authority deployed hundreds of rat traps and promised additional sanitation measures, in a scramble to contain the pest problem before it undermines the city's high-tech, green ambitions.
"This used to be a forested, hilly area," said Thomas Umbu Pati Tena, the authority's deputy for development control. "Naturally, there are many old rat nests. But we're not sitting idle. Our health and community teams are already working on this."
The $32 billion project to relocate the national capital from Jakarta, a congested and sinking city, to the heart of Borneo, has been promoted internationally as a "smart and sustainable" urban hub that will showcase climate-conscious design and a reduced ecological footprint.
Construction began in earnest in 2022, with the city expected to eventually house up to 1.9 million residents.
But the images of rats scurrying across construction zones—some chasing startled tourists—have become a jarring counterpoint to that futuristic vision.
Over the Eid holiday weekend, more than 64,000 visitors descended on Nusantara to witness firsthand the progress of the nation's future capital.
While many expressed admiration for the modern architecture, others were quick to note the presence of litter—especially plastic waste—which authorities say has exacerbated the rodent problem.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Business News
7 days ago
- Time Business News
Educational Tourism Bogor: Raynia Camp for Smart School Trips
As local governments across Indonesia begin mandating that school study tours be conducted within city limits, a new wave of opportunity is emerging—particularly for educational tourism destinations. One standout is Raynia Camp, located in Caringin, Bogor Regency, which is redefining school trips with an immersive blend of nature, culture, and hands-on learning. Launched in mid-2024 by the community-based organization Mata Tunas 17 , Raynia Camp is not just another recreational site. It's a purpose-built environment where learning meets the outdoors, and students are invited to explore subjects like agriculture, animal husbandry, and local crafts through real-world experiences. 'We don't offer sightseeing—we offer structured education in nature,' says Tri Satria, CEO of Mata Tunas 17. 'Our goal is to make outdoor learning an impactful part of the curriculum.' Raynia Camp blends local traditions with interactive activities. Students can learn to play the angklung (a traditional bamboo instrument) or try their hand at Cimande-style pencak silat, a form of Indonesian martial arts deeply rooted in Sundanese culture. To deepen the connection with local life, visitors tour nearby villages using colorful odong-odong (modified village transport vehicles), fostering social interaction and community appreciation. The camp also offers various outdoor games and challenges such as a flying fox, spider web, body rafting, two-line bridge, and obstacle courses, all under the guidance of experienced mentors—many of whom are extracurricular coaches from local schools. Raynia Camp isn't just for students. Adults looking for eco-adventure can go rafting along the Cisadane River—a thrilling 12-kilometer ride—or hike to the scenic Cikaracak Waterfall, which is just an hour's trek from the basecamp. For those who enjoy leisure activities, a nearby fishing pond offers a quiet retreat. Overnight visitors can stay in tent-based accommodations, allowing for a true camping experience surrounded by the lush landscapes between Mount Salak and Mount Pangrango. The camp's location—just off the Caringin exit of the Bocimi toll road—ensures quick access without the stress of traffic congestion. In a world where education often feels confined to classrooms, destinations like Raynia Camp remind us that learning can—and should—happen anywhere. For school groups, scout organizations, LDKS leadership camps, or even international families looking to expose their children to sustainable, community-driven tourism, Raynia Camp provides an exceptional alternative. To learn more or book a visit, follow @matatunas17 on Instagram or contact via WhatsApp at +62 896-0413-6441. By Giostanovlatto – Founder Hey Bali TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Business News
03-08-2025
- Time Business News
NESARA Eco-Mini-City: A New Vision of Sustainable Living Rising in Lombok, Indonesia
Lombok, Indonesia — A bold new city is set to rise on the idyllic Indonesian island of Lombok. NESARA Eco-Mini-City (spelled N-E-S-A-R-A), a visionary project soon to begin construction, promises to become Southeast Asia's next world-class sustainable living destination. Located just minutes from the much-anticipated multi-billion dollar Marina Bay City development, NESARA City is poised to redefine the future of lifestyle, community, and eco-conscious development in the region. A New Destination for a New Era As the Western world grapples with growing political unrest, economic volatility, and expanding government control, many citizens from Australia, Europe, and the United States are looking for alternatives—places where freedom, peace, and prosperity still thrive. Indonesia, and particularly Lombok, has quickly emerged as one of the most attractive relocation destinations, thanks to its natural beauty, affordability, welcoming culture, and pro-investment policies. NESARA City is being developed with these global trends in mind. Set against a backdrop of turquoise waters, lush tropical landscapes, and panoramic mountain views, it aims to become a thriving eco-conscious community built for the 21st century—designed for expats, digital nomads, retirees, and forward-thinking investors seeking a better way of life What is NESARA Eco-Mini-City? outlines a vision that blends innovation, sustainability, and serenity. The development will feature: Eco-friendly villas and residences built with sustainable materials and energy-efficient designs Organic farms and local food markets promoting self-sufficiency and health Wellness and retreat centres, spas, and natural healing clinics Remote work-friendly infrastructure, including co-working hubs and high-speed internet Educational and cultural centres focused on holistic learning, sustainability, and creative arts Recreation zones, nature parks, and scenic walking trails to promote a harmonious lifestyle More than just a residential hub, NESARA City will foster a vibrant community of like-minded individuals prioritizing freedom, wellness, and conscious living. A Natural Complement to Marina Bay City Located near a groundbreaking $6 billion mixed-use coastal project already under construction, NESARA City complements its larger neighbour by offering a quieter, greener alternative focused on personal wellness and sustainability. Where Marina Bay City is envisioned as a global tourism, hospitality, and commerce magnet, NESARA City provides a peaceful sanctuary for those who want to live, not just visit. Together, the two developments are expected to create a powerful regional growth corridor in Southern Lombok, attracting foreign capital, top-tier talent, and international residents. Why Lombok, Why Now? Indonesia, and especially Lombok, has seen a wave of interest from global investors and expats disillusioned by rising costs and declining freedoms in the West. Unlike Bali, Lombok remains less crowded, more pristine, and offers greater development potential. Furthermore, Indonesia has positioned itself as a neutral, stable nation that embraces entrepreneurship, family values, and civil liberties—traits increasingly sought after by those looking to escape the overreach of Western governments. Final Words As the world undergoes a seismic shift in lifestyle values and geopolitical alignment, NESARA Eco-Mini-City represents more than just a real estate project—it embodies a movement. A movement toward sustainable living. A movement toward personal freedom. And a movement toward building communities of purpose, peace, and prosperity. For those looking to be part of this new paradigm, will soon open its doors for pre-registrations, land allocations, and founding memberships. For more information, visit: Live free. Live well. Live NESARA. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
New York Post
02-08-2025
- New York Post
Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupts again, spewing giant ash plumes miles away
Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, erupted for a second straight day, sending a column of volcanic materials and ash up to 18 kilometers (11 miles) into the sky early Saturday and blanketing villages with debris. No casualties were immediately reported. Another eruption Friday evening had sent clouds of ash up to 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) high and had lit up the night sky with glowing lava and bolts of lightning. The two eruptions happened in a span of less than five hours. Indonesia's Geology Agency recorded an avalanche of searing gas clouds mixed with rocks and lava traveling up to 5 kilometers (3 miles) down the slopes of the mountain. Drone observations showed deep movement of magma, setting off tremors that registered on seismic monitors. Advertisement 3 Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, erupted for a second straight day. AP Volcanic material, including hot thumb-sized gravel, was thrown up to 8 kilometers (5 miles) from the crater, covering nearby villages and towns with thick volcanic residue, the agency said. It asked residents to be vigilant about heavy rainfall that could trigger lava flows in rivers originating from the volcano. Saturday's eruption was one of Indonesia's largest since 2010 when Mount Merapi, the country's most volatile volcano, erupted on the densely populated island of Java. That eruption killed more than 350 people and forced hundreds of thousands to evacuate. Advertisement It also came less than a month after a major eruption on July 7 forced the delay or cancellation of dozens of flights at Bali's Ngurah Rai airport, and covered roads and rice fields with thick, gray mud and rocks. Lewotobi Laki Laki, a 1,584-meter (5,197-foot) volcano on the remote island of Flores, has been at the highest alert level since it erupted on June 18, and an exclusion zone has been doubled to a 7-kilometer (4.3-mile) radius as eruptions became more frequent. 3 Lewotobi Laki Laki, a 1,584-meter (5,197-foot) volcano on the remote island of Flores, has been at the highest alert level since it erupted on June 18. AP 3 No casualties were immediately reported, according to reports. PVMBG/ Advertisement The Indonesian government has permanently relocated thousands of residents after a series of eruptions there killed nine people and destroyed thousands of homes in November. Indonesia is an archipelago of more than 280 million people with frequent seismic activity. It has 120 active volcanoes and sits along the 'Ring of Fire,' a horseshoe-shaped series of seismic fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin.
