Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara, in Kalimantan, aims to ease Jakarta’s development pressures and promote balanced regional development. The Indonesian Government has a vision to develop ‘a world-class city for all’ creating a livable, lovable city that prioritises people and nature while fostering a strong sense of belonging. The Asian Development Bank, currently supporting Nusantara’s planning, sought our advice on how Nusantara could design for livability and lovability.

We created ‘Liveable and Lovable Nusantara’ – a framework which defines the components of livability and lovability to guide planning, design and investment decisions. Our urban planners and investment advisory specialists collaborated with Pablo Vaggione SL, Landscape Indonesia and Nusantara Urban Advisor and the local community. Our study includes a framework and seven priority projects, with conceptual designs, financial analysis and project implementation plans that enable a livable and lovable city.

Our work is driving early investment in Nusantara, aligning with the city’s vision for the future. By embedding livability and lovability into project designs, we are putting people and the environment at the forefront of urban development. For community and visitors, this shapes an exceptional living experience, sense of identity and belonging and commitment to its co-development. For investors, this presents attractive opportunities with population growth and a dynamic investment environment.

Designing Nusantara’s livability and lovability framework

We sought to understand what livability and lovability mean in the context of Nusantara. To achieve this, we conducted a review of global cities and relevant literature, creating a framework tailored to the city.

Our framework consists of three layers to guide Nusantara’s design: operability, which addresses essential urban functions; liveability, which focuses on enhancing quality of life; and lovability, which fosters a sense of place and attachment.

Using the framework, we explored projects that nurture lovability and can generate a positive momentum for the development of Nusantara in its early stages, as well as looked at existing projects identified for Nusantara for enhancements to maximise livability and lovability.

“For a new city like Nusantara to attract residents and businesses to relocate, we need to think beyond what is needed to provide for basic needs in a build environment. Arup worked with the Nusantara Capital Authority and explored what investments are required to foster a unique urban experience and strong sense of belonging: what makes a city lovable?” said the Asian Development Bank.

Black and white drawing with layers and sections identifying components for livability and lovability for Nusantara

The Livability and Lovability City Framework is inspired by Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and Kano’s model for product development.

Prioritising investments that are attractive for people and the private sector

We conducted a robust multicriteria assessment focused on impact to lovability and implementation readiness, to prioritise projects. Through a series of workshops with government officials, investors, and the community, we gathered insights to further refine our project selection. Key criteria from these workshops included inclusion and participation, attachment, delight to residents and visitors, empowerment of local community and celebrating Nusantara’s evolving cultural diversity.

We narrowed the projects down to seven priority investments aimed at enhancing liveability, lovability, and strengthening Nusantara’s brand. These include Pancasila Park and Culinary Centre, Forest Rehabilitation and Botanical Garden, Nusantara Cultural Centre, an ecotourism programme and a community participation programme.

Our design team collaborated with our investor advisory team to develop concept designs for each project, providing capital expenditure estimates based on market research with the private sector.

The ‘Liveable and Lovable Nusantara’ framework has been pivotal in shaping Indonesia’s new capital and exemplifies Arup’s dedication to creating sustainable, vibrant, and inclusive cities.

Asian Development Bank

A group of people in a park taking part in a workshop

We held workshops to facilitate discussion and gather insights

Artist impression of city street with trees, canopies that promote walking and cycling

Artist illustration of vibrant city streets that promote community participation

Artist impression of people enjoying waterfront parkland and gardens in a big city

Artist illustration of parklands and gardens for outdoor recreation for residents