Why Indonesia is spending billions to build its new capital Nusantara | DW News

Summary

Indonesia is planning to move its capital from Jakarta to a new city called Nusantara on the island of Borneo. Jakarta, sinking due to excessive groundwater use and rising sea levels, faces severe environmental risks. The relocation aims to reduce the concentration of power in Java and promote development in Kalimantan. The new capital is envisioned as a green, eco-friendly city, though concerns arise regarding its impact on indigenous land rights and the environment. The first phase of relocation will begin in 2024, with the entire move expected to take decades.

Takeaways

• 🌊 Indonesia is investing nearly 33 billion dollars to build a new capital city, Nusantara, in East Kalimantan province on the island of Borneo.
• 🗺 The current capital, Jakarta, is suffering from severe land subsidence due to excessive groundwater extraction and is slowly being swallowed by the sea.
• 🏙️ Jakarta's sinking is the fastest in the world, with estimates suggesting a third of the city could be lost by 2050, putting millions of residents at risk.
• 🌱 The new capital is planned to be a green and smart city with a focus on renewable energy and eco-friendly construction.
• 📅 The relocation process is expected to take decades, with the first government offices and bureaucrats moving to Nusantara starting in 2024.
• 🏡 The new capital's design aims to have all residents within a 10-minute walk of green spaces, promoting a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.
• 🌿 Nusantara is intended to be a symbol of Indonesia's commitment to environmental sustainability and a detachment from Java-centric development.
• 🏘️ The relocation will not involve moving all 10 million Jakarta residents; instead, it will initially involve civil servants, ministries, and agencies.
• 💸 There are concerns about the impact on local communities and the environment, with locals and environmentalists warning about potential negative effects.
• 💼 The印尼政府 is facing challenges with land acquisition for the new capital, with disputes over fair compensation for indigenous landowners.
• 🌳 There are fears that the construction of the new capital could disrupt nearby ecosystems, such as the mangrove forests in the Balikpapan delta.

Q & A

Why does Indonesia want a new capital?

Indonesia plans to move its capital from Jakarta to a new city called Nusantara due to Jakarta's rapid sinking caused by excessive groundwater use and climate change, which is leading to land subsidence and regular flooding.

How much is Indonesia planning to spend on the new capital?

The Indonesian government is planning to spend nearly 33 billion dollars to build the new capital.

Where is the new capital city Nusantara located?

Nusantara is planned to be built in East Kalimantan province on the island of Borneo, 2000 kilometers away from Jakarta.

When does Indonesia plan to start moving government offices to the new capital?

The relocation of the first government offices and bureaucrats to Nusantara is expected to start in 2024.

What is the expected timeline for the complete relocation of the capital?

The relocation is expected to take decades, with a detailed plan spanning from 2022 to 2045.

How is Jakarta's sinking affecting its residents?

Residents of Jakarta are facing regular flooding, with some living below sea level, and are at risk of losing their homes as the city continues to sink.

What are the environmental concerns related to the construction of the new capital?

There are concerns about the impact on local ecosystems, including mangrove forests, due to potential sediment and pollution from construction. Additionally, there are issues with fair land compensation for the indigenous population.

What are the goals for the environmental design of Nusantara?

Nusantara is designed to be a green and smart global city, with all its energy coming from renewable sources, surrounded by a lush rainforest, and with 75% green areas in the government complex.

How does the new capital project aim to benefit Indonesia beyond just relocating the government?

The project aims to distribute political and economic power away from Java, stimulate development in Borneo, and showcase Indonesia's commitment to environmental sustainability.

What are the challenges faced in the implementation of the new capital project?

Challenges include ensuring fair land compensation for locals, maintaining environmental sustainability amidst construction, and the top-down nature of the policy which may not align with local contexts and readiness.

How many people does the Indonesian government plan to move to the new capital by 2045?

The government plans to have 1.9 million people residing in Nusantara by 2045.