Indonesia to test flying taxis for new capital Nusantara in July, ahead of Independence Day showcase
The flying taxis can carry five people and are developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute and Hyundai Motors Company.
JAKARTA: Indonesia will test its first flying taxis for the country’s new capital Nusantara in July, ahead of an anticipated showcase at Independence Day celebrations on Aug 17.
Vehicle parts have arrived in Balikpapan in East Kalimantan, said Mr Bambang Susantono, head of the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) Authority, on Wednesday (May 29).
Its batteries have arrived in Jakarta and will be shipped to Samarinda, a nearby city in East Kalimantan.
Trials will be conducted at Samarinda airport for a month after the parts are inspected and assembled. The vehicles can carry five people, according to Mr Ali Berawi, IKN Authority undersecretary for green and digital transformation.
The flying taxis are a collaboration between the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) and Hyundai Motors Company. The Nusantara Capital City Authority and Hyundai signed a memorandum of understanding to develop an advanced air mobility ecosystem in Indonesia in 2022.
"Not many people in the world have the chance to experience flying cars," added Mr Bambang.
Local media reported that flying taxis are becoming a reality, with Indonesia joining the ranks of countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Slovakia, and Japan, which have begun tests.
Nusantara expects to have the vehicles flying over the city by 2045.
After the trial, Hyundai is expected to develop a business model for the flying taxis through Supernal, its subsidiary in the United States specialising in urban air mobility. It will also develop autonomous flight technology for the vehicles.
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE TO HELP MANAGE FORESTS
The IKN Authority also said it would issue a policy to recognise the wisdom and knowledge of indigenous people, and involve them in managing the forests of Nusantara.
"We are developing a community forestry policy to ensure the legality of local communities managing forests," said Ms Myrna Safitri, its deputy for environment and natural resources, at the International Conference on Forest City on Wednesday.
A community forest scheme is where community groups manage or use forest areas to improve welfare and environmental sustainability, media agency Antara reported.
The Indonesian government has billed Nusantara as Indonesia’s first carbon-neutral city.
Ms Myrna said the authority is focusing on improving its natural resource management and land use. Spatial planning policies will aim to protect 65 per cent of the land in the area, while 25 per cent is earmarked for infrastructure development and the remaining 10 per cent for agriculture.
