Nusantara, March 1 -- Indonesia's government said the development of its future capital Nusantara in East Kalimantan is designed to deliver tangible economic benefits to local communities, amid public scrutiny over the massive relocation project.

"Through an inclusive approach, the IKN development provides concrete benefits to local residents," Basuki Hadimuljono, head of the Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN), said on Sunday when asked about community empowerment programs.

He stressed that the authority is committed to ensuring projects in the new capital serve residents living within the designated development area, which covers parts of North Penajam Paser and Kutai Kartanegara Districts.

Hadimuljono said the government aims to posi...