Economic Flow and Future Hopes from Nusantara Construction
The success of IKN is not solely measured by the number of buildings erected, but by the extent of economic growth it generates.
Towers and buildings are beginning to rise in the heart of East Kalimantan. The area, once quiet plantations and forests, is now filled with the sound of heavy machinery and the footsteps of workers in the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) development zone.
IKN is more than just a collection of growing structures. It is a pulse that is beginning to spread, channelling new life into every corner of the land it touches. The development there is forging an unbroken bond between the core area and its buffer zones, between grand plans and the benefits directly felt by the community.
In mid-July 2026, PT Star Bright International Investment, the first foreign investment company, commenced physical construction. The company officially laid the foundation for an integrated area project worth Rp1.25 trillion in Sub-Development Area 1B of the Central Government Core Area (KIPP) IKN.
On a 15,501 square metre plot located right in the heart of the government area, this project, in cooperation with a Chinese partner, will feature housing, commercial spaces, and workspaces designed in line with the principles of Nusantara’s natural sustainability. The development includes apartments of various sizes, restaurants offering diverse cuisines, vibrant retail areas, and refreshing green open spaces, all arranged as a unified whole that serves not only as a place to live or conduct activities but also as a reflection of a new, friendly, and sustainable city.
Head of the IKN Authority, Basuki Hadimuljono, emphasised the special nature of this location, where one can directly view the silhouette of the State Palace and the judicial and legislative complexes currently under construction. The entire project is planned for completion by 2028, serving as concrete proof of the determination to build a new face for the nation from its own soil.
Similar optimism was shared by PT Star Bright International Investment’s President Director, Lu Keming. The Chinese entrepreneur sees extraordinary potential in a city built from scratch, unencumbered by the legacy issues that often hinder development. His experience witnessing the birth of major cities has convinced him that Nusantara will grow into a beautiful gem, prompting his company to plan expansion into the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Beyond mere business profit, this project carries a message of togetherness. Local contractors from East Kalimantan are actively involved in every stage of construction, demonstrating a tangible commitment to using foreign investment to empower the existing potential of the land.