Is Indonesia’s capital relocation a sustainable solution or an ecological gamble?
Indonesia’s capital city, Jakarta, is grappling with sinking land, pollution, and overpopulation. Its environmental issues trace back to the colonial era when the seeds of the city’s challenges were sown. In an era plagued by rising global temperatures and environmental challenges, Indonesia stands at a crossroads with its bold plan to relocate the capital city.
Indonesia’s Struggle: From Colonial Legacy to Climate Crisis
Centuries ago, Jakarta, then known as Batavia, was a strategic outpost of the Dutch East India Company. The Dutch colonisers shaped the city’s landscape, constructing canals and fortifications that still bear witness to their presence. Fast forward to the 20th century, and Batavia was reborn as the capital of an independent Indonesia, but it carried the burdens of its colonial past.
Over the decades Jakarta expanded rapidly, drawing people from all corners of the archipelago in search of opportunities. The population swelled, and with it came urban sprawl, overcrowding, and insufficient infrastructure. Today, Jakarta’s greater metropolitan area is home to over 30 million residents, making it one of the world’s most overpopulated cities.
Adding to the challenges, Jakarta’s land is sinking at an alarming rate. Excessive groundwater extraction due to population growth has led Jakarta to sink around six centimetres annually. This startling rate of subsidence is exacerbated by rising sea levels due to climate change. If left unaddressed, experts warn that a quarter of Jakarta’s area will be submerged by 2050.
The Indonesian government has long recognised the urgency of the situation and has made efforts to mitigate Jakarta’s environmental crisis. Measures such as flood prevention, seawalls, and pumping stations have been enacted, however, their effectiveness has been limited. The scale of the problem has often outpaced the government’s actions, leaving Jakarta vulnerable and its residents disillusioned.
With mounting challenges, the livability of Jakarta has been significantly affected by traffic-choked roads, polluted air, and inadequate waste management. As a result, this has led many to question if the city can be saved from the damage accumulated over centuries of development.
Capital Relocation: The Blueprint
In the face of Jakarta’s mounting environmental challenges, the Indonesian government has embarked on an audacious plan to address the crisis head-on: the relocation of the capital city. Recognising the urgency of the situation, they believe that moving the capital is the only viable solution to alleviate Jakarta’s burden and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
Enter Nusantara, the proposed new capital city, nestled on the island of Borneo. Indonesian President Joko Widodo envisions a metropolis that embodies sustainability, green living, and innovation. The government’s plan is nothing short of ambitious, with a focus on creating a sustainable forest city that harmoniously blends nature and modernity.
Officials paint a vibrant picture of Nusantara, a city twice the size of New York City and four times that of Jakarta. Digital renderings reveal a vision of a city adorned with lush forests, tree-lined streets, and plant-covered rooftops. The development aims to prioritise renewable energy resources, ‘smart’ waste management, green buildings, and efficient transportation including electric buses.
The government envisions Nusantara as a beacon of sustainability and a testament to Indonesia’s commitment to combat climate change. With plans to reforest 65% of the city and achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, Nusantara strives to be an exemplar of environmental stewardship. Additionally, the relocation of the capital could alleviate the strain on resources in Jakarta and provide a fresh start for the city’s inhabitants.
However, there is a cloud of uncertainty on whether this is the supreme solution to Indonesia’s struggles. While the government’s plan offers an inspiring vision for a greener future, some sceptics raise valid concerns. The ambitious scale of construction and development required for Nusantara could potentially have adverse effects on the environment.
Making Borneo Worse?
As the Indonesian government paces forward with its grand plan to shift the nation’s capital to Nusantara, the ecological repercussions of this audacious endeavour cannot be overlooked. Experts and environmentalists have expressed grave concerns about the potential environmental disaster that may unfold, both locally and on a global scale.
The lush rainforests of Borneo, often referred to as one of the lungs of the world, harbour an extraordinary wealth of biodiversity. They serve as vital habitats for endangered species, such as long-nosed monkeys, clouded leopards, and pig-tailed macaques. The accelerated deforestation resulting from the construction of the new capital poses an immediate threat to these unique ecosystems and their inhabitants. Borneo has lost more than 30% of its forest cover over the past four decades, primarily due to human activities.
The destruction of these vast rainforests has far-reaching consequences for the global climate. Forests play a crucial role in sequestering carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas responsible for climate change. The loss of Borneo’s forests not only reduces the planet’s carbon storage capacity but also releases stored carbon into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming. Borneo’s forests store an estimated 120 billion tons of carbon, equivalent to three years’ worth of global emissions.
Moreover, the irreversible loss of habitat in Borneo will undoubtedly push numerous endangered species closer to the brink of extinction. For example, the Bornean orangutan, already classified as critically endangered, faces an even bleaker future as its habitat diminishes further. The repercussions of losing these iconic species extend beyond ecological concerns, signalling a profound loss of our planet’s natural heritage. Borneo has lost more than 100,000 orangutans in the past 16 years, primarily due to habitat destruction.
Besides, the displacement of indigenous communities, although not directly related to the environmental agenda, deserves attention from an environmental perspective. These communities have long lived in harmony with the land, their sustainable practices contributing to the preservation of local ecosystems. Disrupting their way of life not only affects their cultural heritage but also disrupts the delicate balance between human existence and the environment.
Indonesia’s existing struggles necessitates collective actions and a resolute commitment from the Indonesian people and its government to chart a balanced and eco-conscious path forward. Only by embracing this responsibility can the nation truly realize the promise of a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
