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Why is Indonesia moving its capital from Jakarta to Borneo?: The city of Jakarta in Indonesia is facing issues such as congestion, pollution, earthquakes, and sinking into the Java Sea. Therefore, the Indonesian government is currently in the process of relocating the capital to the Island of Borneo. Indonesia plans to relocate its capital from Jakarta to Borneo, creating a “sustainable forest city” that aims to be carbon-neutral by 2045.
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However, environmentalists warn that the development will lead to deforestation, threaten the habitat of endangered species such as orangutans and harm the homes of Indigenous communities. While the site is typically restricted, The Associated Press was granted access in early March to witness the construction progress. This article examines the reasons behind the relocation, the government’s plans, and the concerns of activists regarding the impact on the environment, endangered species, and Indigenous communities.
Why is Indonesia moving its capital?
Jakarta is facing a rapid population growth with about 10 million people residing in the city and three times that number in the metropolitan area, resulting in heavy pollution, regular floods, and significant economic losses due to traffic congestion. Additionally, the city is sinking rapidly, and one-third of it could be underwater by 2050. Uncontrolled groundwater extraction is the primary cause, but climate change has worsened the situation. To address these problems, President Joko Widodo aims to construct a new capital city that can support a sustainable environment while reducing Jakarta’s population.
What will the new capital be like?
- President Widodo plans to build a new city called Nusantara to address the problems in Jakarta. The city will be located 2,000 km northeast of Jakarta.
- Over 1.5 million civil servants are expected to be relocated, but the final number is yet to be confirmed.
- The new city will follow the “forest city” concept, with 65% of the area being reforested.
- The inauguration of the city is set to coincide with Indonesia’s Independence Day on August 17, 2024.
- The final stages of the city’s construction are expected to be completed by 2045, which marks the nation’s hundredth anniversary.
What are the concerns?
- Environmentalists have raised concerns about the new capital plan, citing massive deforestation and threats to the habitat of endangered species like orangutans.
- Forest Watch Indonesia’s 2022 report warned that most forested areas in the new capital are production forests, which could be permitted for forestry and extractive activities, leading to deforestation.
- At least five villages with over 100 Balik people are being relocated due to the construction of the new capital, according to the Associated Press.
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