Indonesia’s new presidential palace will look like a monstrous Garuda
The presidential palace in Indonesia’s planned new capital on Borneo island will look like a giant Garuda, the mythical bird in the Hindu and Buddhist universe and the country’s national symbol, at least when it comes to first pre-design studies.
Local media reported that Balinese sculptor Nyoman Nuarta won the design contest for the palace and had posted a picture on Instagram which showed what looked like massive Garuda-type structure on top of a flat building patterned by a large number of columns.
In addition, Indonesia’s president Joko Widodo posted a video of what Indonesia’s future capital city could look like which also included the Garuda-shaped palace. He, however, noted that what has been shown would not be the final version and he invited local architecture and urban planning communities to provide their input.
Mixed reactions to the design study
The presentation has evoked mixed reactions. While some praised it as an adequate symbol of state representation, lauded it for its eco-friendly setting and “natural vibes” or simply called it “cool,” others were less enthralled and despised the design for its humongous size and luxurious appearance. Others called the proposed building an “exaggeration” and criticised the potential high maintenance costs such a huge complex would, money they said could be better used otherwise.
While the discussion about the building seem to be far from over, the vaccination scheme against the Covid-19 pandemic gets on track in Indonesia. The nation now seems to be ready to revive planning for the new capital by offering property contracts to investors this year and starting construction work on the state palace as one of the first buildings on the site in East Kalimantan province.
Construction schedule adjusted to national Covid-19 vaccination drive
The $33 billion-project of the new capital, which would be adjusted in line with the national vaccination programme, would also contribute to restarting the Indonesian economy after the pandemic subsides, officials said, noting that construction of the new palace was planned to start “soon,” with 2024 targeted for completion of the structure and other core government offices and public facilities.
Indonesia’s parliament is expected to pass a bill on the new capital city into law this year, giving the project the legal basis before Widodo’s second and final term expires and thus protecting it from a potential cancellation by a new administration after the 2024 presidential election.
Majority of costs funded by foreign investors
Indonesia’s government will shoulder around 20 per cent of the costs for the new capital, while other funds will come from foreign funds or private investors.
Several foreign funds, including one of the United Arab Emirates’ state funds, the US International Development Finance Corporation, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, as well as the Canadian and Dutch pension funds have expressed interest in investment partnerships with Indonesia for the new capital.
Among private investors, Japan’s SoftBank has indicated interest in investing, as well as Grab CEO and co-founder Anthony Tan.
The presidential palace in Indonesia’s planned new capital on Borneo island will look like a giant Garuda, the mythical bird in the Hindu and Buddhist universe and the country’s national symbol, at least when it comes to first pre-design studies. Local media reported that Balinese sculptor Nyoman Nuarta won the design contest for the palace and had posted a picture on Instagram which showed what looked like massive Garuda-type structure on top of a flat building patterned by a large number of columns. In addition, Indonesia’s president Joko Widodo posted a video of what Indonesia's future capital city could look...
The presidential palace in Indonesia’s planned new capital on Borneo island will look like a giant Garuda, the mythical bird in the Hindu and Buddhist universe and the country’s national symbol, at least when it comes to first pre-design studies.
Local media reported that Balinese sculptor Nyoman Nuarta won the design contest for the palace and had posted a picture on Instagram which showed what looked like massive Garuda-type structure on top of a flat building patterned by a large number of columns.
In addition, Indonesia’s president Joko Widodo posted a video of what Indonesia’s future capital city could look like which also included the Garuda-shaped palace. He, however, noted that what has been shown would not be the final version and he invited local architecture and urban planning communities to provide their input.
Mixed reactions to the design study
The presentation has evoked mixed reactions. While some praised it as an adequate symbol of state representation, lauded it for its eco-friendly setting and “natural vibes” or simply called it “cool,” others were less enthralled and despised the design for its humongous size and luxurious appearance. Others called the proposed building an “exaggeration” and criticised the potential high maintenance costs such a huge complex would, money they said could be better used otherwise.
While the discussion about the building seem to be far from over, the vaccination scheme against the Covid-19 pandemic gets on track in Indonesia. The nation now seems to be ready to revive planning for the new capital by offering property contracts to investors this year and starting construction work on the state palace as one of the first buildings on the site in East Kalimantan province.
Construction schedule adjusted to national Covid-19 vaccination drive
The $33 billion-project of the new capital, which would be adjusted in line with the national vaccination programme, would also contribute to restarting the Indonesian economy after the pandemic subsides, officials said, noting that construction of the new palace was planned to start “soon,” with 2024 targeted for completion of the structure and other core government offices and public facilities.
Indonesia’s parliament is expected to pass a bill on the new capital city into law this year, giving the project the legal basis before Widodo’s second and final term expires and thus protecting it from a potential cancellation by a new administration after the 2024 presidential election.
Majority of costs funded by foreign investors
Indonesia’s government will shoulder around 20 per cent of the costs for the new capital, while other funds will come from foreign funds or private investors.
Several foreign funds, including one of the United Arab Emirates’ state funds, the US International Development Finance Corporation, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, as well as the Canadian and Dutch pension funds have expressed interest in investment partnerships with Indonesia for the new capital.
Among private investors, Japan’s SoftBank has indicated interest in investing, as well as Grab CEO and co-founder Anthony Tan.
