Indonesia’s New Capital Nusantara Faces Early Social Issues: Prostitution in Sepaku Brings Urban Policy Under Scrutiny

Indonesia’s ambitious plan to relocate its capital from Jakarta to Nusantara, in East Kalimantan, has sparked global fascination. But recent reports highlighting prostitution activity near the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) development site have brought new attention to social challenges that often accompany large-scale urban projects. While Indonesian officials, including IKN Authority chief Basuki Hadimuljono, maintain that prostitution is limited to the Sepaku district, 3km from the main development, the situation merits a broader exploration of social trends, public safety, and urban planning.

Why Are Social Issues Like Prostitution Emerging Near Nusantara?

Keyword: social challenges Nusantara, prostitution in Sepaku, urban development Indonesia

Megaprojects attract a surge of workers, entrepreneurs, and service providers—both formal and informal. Rapid development often outpaces the provision of adequate housing, entertainment, and social support systems, creating ripe conditions for unregulated services:

• Labor Migration: Thousands of workers converge for construction and support work, increasing demand for temporary accommodation and services.
• Economic Disparities: Sudden inflows of capital and opportunity can drive economic inequality, prompting marginalized groups to seek alternative income sources, including sex work.
• Law Enforcement and Policy Gaps: Early-stage development sites may lack the full complement of municipal services, making regulation of illicit businesses challenging.

How Does Nusantara Compare to Other Planned Capitals?

Keyword: comparison Jakarta Nusantara, planned capitals social issues, urbanization trends Asia

Other nations’ new capitals—from Brazil’s Brasilia to Egypt’s New Administrative Capital—have faced similar teething problems:

• Brasilia: Initially plagued by informal settlements and lack of social amenities, which led to the rise of unregulated activities.
• Putrajaya (Malaysia): Managed growth with strong law enforcement and early investment in social infrastructure led to fewer social issues.

Nusantara’s experience so far underscores the need for proactive social planning, not just physical infrastructure.

Debates: Should Indonesia Prioritize Social Controls Over Development Speed?

Keyword: urban safety Nusantara, policy debate Indonesia capital relocation, community engagement urban planning

Many are asking whether enough is being done to:

• Ensure local communities are not displaced or economically marginalized
• Enforce laws and provide social services alongside physical development
• Integrate holistic planning to avoid long-term reputational or criminality issues in the new capital

What Are the Broader Implications for East Kalimantan and Local Communities?

Keyword: East Kalimantan local impact, indigenous communities Nusantara, sustainable urban solutions

Large-scale projects impact existing cultures, economies, and community structures. The Sepaku phenomenon is likely a preview of the complex balancing act Nusantara must navigate:

• Cultural Sensitivity: Ensuring local and indigenous populations are not left behind or culturally eroded
• Sustainable Development: Prioritizing solutions that balance rapid economic growth with public health, safety, and quality of life

Conclusion: Addressing Social Issues is Key to Nusantara’s Success

Nusantara is more than a physical relocation—it's a real-time test of Indonesia’s urban policy. Success will rely not only on gleaming buildings, but also on how meaningfully authorities address housing, economic disparity, and public health—including issues like prostitution and labor migration.

For policymakers, investors, and citizens alike: Now is the time to push for inclusive, sustainable urbanization that tackles root causes—not just symptoms—of emerging social issues.

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FAQ

• Is prostitution legal in Indonesia? No, prostitution is illegal, but it operates in various informal sectors nationwide, often due to weak enforcement or economic necessity.
• Why is Nusantara being built? To alleviate population pressure and environmental degradation in Jakarta, while promoting economic development in eastern Indonesia. Source
• What are the biggest challenges for Nusantara? Infrastructure readiness, sustainable social planning, indigenous rights, and preventing illegal activities are all major concerns.

Related reading: Urban Challenges of Mega-Cities in Asia