Indonesia’s New Capital Nusantara: A Climate Change-Driven Relocation
The construction of a new city called Nusantara is currently underway in Indonesia. This city, located on the eastern coast of Borneo, approximately 870 miles north of Jakarta, will serve as the country’s new capital. The decision to move the capital from Jakarta to Nusantara was prompted by the climate crisis and the threat of rising sea levels that put Jakarta at risk of sinking.
Jakarta, currently Indonesia’s capital and largest city, is home to over 10.6 million people and about 30 million in the metropolitan area. However, about 40% of Jakarta is now below sea level due to climate change. In contrast, Nusantara is being built on higher ground and will provide a safer location for the Indonesian government and its citizens.
The construction of Nusantara is estimated to cost $35 billion and is expected to be completed by 2045. Despite this completion date, about 6,000 government workers are already expected to move to Nusantara in time for the next president’s inauguration in October. The relocation process has already begun with around 125 families moving from Jakarta to Nusantara every day.
Nusantara will not only serve as a safer location for Indonesia but also as an opportunity for economic growth and development in East Kalimantan province. The city will have modern infrastructure, including roads, bridges, ports, airports, hospitals, schools, and housing units that can accommodate up to one million people. It will also have an advanced waste management system that utilizes renewable energy sources such as solar power and biogas plants.
The decision to move the capital from Jakarta to Nusantara follows a trend of countries relocating their capitals due to various reasons such as political instability or environmental factors like flooding or droughts. However, this is the first time that climate change has played a significant role in such a decision-making process.
In conclusion, Indonesia’s new capital city Nusantara presents an opportunity for growth and development while addressing climate change concerns by providing a safer location for its citizens and government officials alike.
