What's Driving Indonesia to Build a New Capital City?

• A plethora of reasons such as debilitating congestion, rampant pollution, susceptibility to earthquakes, and the alarming fact that the current capital is sinking due to sea level rise (attributed to climate change) have prompted this decision.
  • Congestion: Jakarta, with a population of around 10 million within the city limits and nearly three times that number in the larger metropolitan area, is notorious for its crowding issues.
  • Sinking due to sea level rise and uncontrolled groundwater extraction: As an archipelago, Indonesia is highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change and sea level rise, leading to the sinking of many of its islands. Jakarta, in particular, has been identified as the city sinking at the fastest rate worldwide. If the current rate persists, it's estimated that one-third of the city could be submerged by 2050. The primary cause is the unchecked extraction of groundwater, a problem that has been exacerbated by the rising Java Sea due to climate change.
  • Pollution issues: Jakarta is plagued by severe air and groundwater pollution. Regular flooding further impedes infrastructure and daily activities, reportedly costing the economy $4.5 billion annually.
• The blueprint for the new capital envisions a “sustainable forest city” that prioritizes environmental conservation during its development.
• By 2045, Indonesia aims to achieve carbon neutrality.

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Potential Challenges in Constructing the New Capital:

• The project has raised concerns among environmental researchers, as the development of infrastructure and settlements could result in extensive deforestation.
• The islands of Indonesia are rich in biodiversity and serve as habitats for endangered species like orangutans. Building an expansive 256,000-hectare city in Borneo’s East Kalimantan province, home to orangutans, leopards, and other wildlife, may lead to significant environmental damage. Both deforestation and human settlement can pose a serious threat to these species' survival.
• The islands are also home to numerous indigenous communities, which may be adversely affected by cultural shifts and interventions. The construction has already necessitated the relocation of at least five villages housing over 100 Indigenous Balik people. As the city expands, more indigenous communities may be displaced.
• Although the government asserts that the new capital has garnered support from local community leaders and that adequate compensation and land have been provided to the affected communities, the potential loss of indigenous culture cannot be overlooked.