Potain tower cranes build Indonesia’s new presidential palaces

The two top-slewing cranes are deployed on the Garuda Palace (Istana Garuda) and the State Palace (Istana Negara), the landmark structures of the first development phase of Nusantara, the new capital city Indonesia is building in East Kalimantan. Both machines have been on site since February 2023 and are rented to the projects by dealer PT Potaindo Machinery, which also backs them up with technician teams and parts supply.

Configured for reach and height

The 12-tonne capacity MC 310 K12 stands freestanding at 52 m and carries a 70 m jib, giving it a 3.2-tonne capacity at the jib end. The 10-tonne MC 205 B works at a freestanding height of 59.7 m with a 60 m jib and lifts 2.4 tonnes at its tip. Both cranes are handling steel and structural components, with long reach and high freestanding heights cited as the reasons the models were chosen for the tightly scheduled palace complex.

“The construction of Indonesia’s new presidential palaces is a landmark project that demands reliable equipment capable of supporting consistent progress. Our Potain MC 310 K12 and MC 205 B tower cranes are well-suited to these requirements, combining lifting performance, reach, and reliability to help contractors maintain productivity on complex projects.”

— Johnny Kuah, regional sales manager, Potain

A national showcase with a safety record

The palace complex is the symbolic heart of the Nusantara development, part of Indonesia’s long-term plan to shift its seat of government away from Jakarta. Keeping construction moving has been the overriding priority, and the site has achieved Zero Accident certification along the way.

Both crane models have since been superseded in the Potain range: the MC 310 K12 by the topless MCT 325 L12, and the MC 205 B by the MCT 205.