By Jamie McIntyre – Chief Editor, Australian National Review
Extraordinary natural resources.
An expanding workforce.
A rapidly growing consumer economy.
An archipelago stretching across one of the world’s most strategically important regions.
Imagine combining those advantages with world-class urban planning.
Special Economic Cities
Several of these cities could operate as expanded Special Economic Zones.
Rather than focusing solely on manufacturing, they could become complete economic ecosystems featuring:
* Financial services
* Artificial intelligence and technology
* Universities and research centres
* International healthcare
* Tourism and hospitality
* Green manufacturing
* Maritime industries
* Renewable energy
* Creative industries
* Global conference and exhibition centres
Competitive taxation, streamlined regulation and legal certainty could encourage both domestic entrepreneurs and international investors to establish long-term operations.
Housing People, Not Just Buildings
Perhaps the greatest lesson from many rapidly growing cities around the world is that infrastructure should come before population.
Roads first.
Water first.
Power first.
Schools first.
Parks first.
Public transport first.
Then homes.
By planning communities before they become overcrowded, Indonesia can avoid many of the challenges experienced elsewhere.
A Magnet for Global Talent
Well-designed cities would not only attract Indonesians.
They could attract entrepreneurs, engineers, researchers, retirees, investors and digital professionals from around the world.
Combined with sensible immigration policies, competitive business regulations and investment-friendly frameworks, Indonesia could become one of Asia’s most attractive destinations for international
capital.
A Nation Ready for the Future
President Prabowo Subianto has repeatedly spoken about accelerating Indonesia’s development and strengthening long-term economic growth.
Nusantara is already evidence that Indonesia is prepared to pursue bold, nation-building projects.
Perhaps the next step is even more ambitious.
Not one new city.
Six.
Six cities designed not for today’s Indonesia, but for the Indonesia of 2050.
Clean.
Affordable.
Environmentally responsible.
Technologically advanced.
Economically vibrant.
Built for families.
Built for business.
Built for future generations.
The greatest infrastructure projects are rarely built because they are easy.
They are built because future generations deserve them.
Indonesia has the talent.
It has the resources.
It has the vision.
Now it has an opportunity to build not simply more cities, but a new model for urban development that the world may one day look to with admiration.
Original source: https://x.com/jamiemcintyre21/status/2073740667822784894