This paper argues that the moulding of the promise of development zones with existing local aspirations for the future generates a powerful affective force that potentially incites social transformation. The paper demonstrates this argument by examining suspended development in an Indonesian border village, Long Nawang, which is designated by the state as a prospective border economic centre. The paper highlights how the promise of accelerated development intensifies existing aspirations for urbanity among border elites and villagers. The aspiration persists among the elites even when development zones do not materialise as intended due to delays in key development milestones in Long Nawang. The paper illustrates this persistence by looking at how the elites use their authority to fashion the villagers into tame development subjects in a vague bid to keep the potential urbanised future alive.