Indonesia announces name of new national capital

Indonesia’s planned new capital in eastern Kalimantan will be named Nusantara, said National Development Planning Minister Suharso Monoarfa on Monday.

Report informs, citing foreign media, that the name Nusantara, meaning archipelago in Indonesian, was instructed and confirmed by the president, said Mr Monoarfa.

“I just received confirmation and direct orders from the president, namely on Friday.

“He said the new capital is Nusantara," Mr Monoarfa said during a meeting with a special committee for the establishment of the new capital.

He added: “The reason is because Nusantara has been known for a long time. And it is iconic internationally, simple and describes our archipelago, the Republic of Indonesia. I believe we all agree with the name Nusantara,” he said.

Some members of the meeting said the name Nusantara could potentially be confusing since it is a word used to describe the country. There were some who suggested referring to the new capital as special administration Nusantara in order to avoid confusion.