Indonesia's New Capital

Indonesia is planning to move its capital from Jakarta to Borneo in a bid to overcome environmental issues. The capital is currently facing problems such as being overcrowded, sinking due to seawater, and is prone to earthquakes. The new city aims to be a "sustainable forest city", pledging to become carbon neutral by 2045. The relocation of Jakarta, considered the world's fastest sinking city, is primarily due to uncontrolled groundwater extraction and rising sea levels. However, other factors include heavy air pollution, frequent flooding, and large congestion costs. Alongside relocating over 1.5 million civil servants, the construction of the new capital, named 'Nusantara,' is expected to be inaugurated on Indonesia’s Independence Day, with an estimated completion date in 2045. Despite the sustainable initiative, environmentalists have argued the move could cause deforestation and threaten wildlife.

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER

  1. Indonesia is transitioning its capital from Jakarta to Borneo to address environmental and congestion issues.
  2. The new capital, Nusantara, will be a “sustainable forest city,” aiming to be carbon neutral by 2045.
  3. Over 1.5 million civil servants are anticipated to be relocated to the new city.
  4. The inauguration of the new city is slated for Indonesia’s Independence Day in 2023, with completion expected by 2045.
  5. Environmentalists are concerned that the move might lead to deforestation and endanger wildlife