Explained: Why Indonesia has a new capital now
On 18th January, Indonesia passed a law to shift its capital from the overpopulated and gradually submerging Jakarta to Nusantara located in the East Kalimantan province. According to the local language Javanese, Nusantara means archipelago. This city located in Indonesia’s Borneo Island is said to have its roots in Indonesia’s Hindu history.
The primary reason why Indonesia is shifting its capital from Jakarta is the city’s enhancing pollution. Jakarta was chosen as the country’s capital right after its independence in 1949 for its strategic location at the centre of the country and being close to other important urban cities. However, over the years, it has been overburdened with governance, flourishing industries, business, finance, trade and other services. Apart from overcrowding, the increasing economic inequality in Jakarta in comparison to other parts of Indonesia is also a major reason to relocate the capital to Nusantara, with the hope of developing other parts of the country, such as East Kalimantan province where the new capital city is situated. Above all, the city of Jakarta is slowly sinking and is feared to go completely under water by 2050.
Why Nusantara?
Nusantara is located in the East Kalimantan province, almost 2300 kilometres to the east of Jakarta on the Borneo Island. This region is said to be home to a variety of water resources and is also said to have a habitable terrain. Moreover, the name Nusantara is both familiar and memorable for Indonesians due to its cultural heritage, alongside other historical, sociological and philosophical aspects. According to the Indonesian government, Nusantara would uphold Indonesia’s national identity, represent the diversity, drive the growing economic future and exhibit its vast potential in front of the whole world.
When was the plan to replace Indonesian capital first hatched?
The plan to replace Indonesia’s capital was first announced by President Joko Widodo in January 2019 keeping in mind the environmental issues and financial inequality that were prevalent in the then capital Jakarta. Thereafter, a bill was drafted, which after exactly two years, was passed in the Indonesian Parliament this Tuesday. It was also suggested that after an in-depth study, the government had decided to relocate the capital somewhere in the province of East Kalimantan.
Indonesia’s New State Capital Law Bill: What does it state?
Nusantara, popularly called IKN, has been drafted as the new capital city of the Republic of Indonesia as per the New State Capital Law Bill. At present, the bill drafted by the government’s special committee is waiting for the Presidential decree in order to officially shift the capital from Jakarta to Nusantara.
How will Nusantara implement the change?
Approximately, 256, 142 hectres of land have been set aside in the city of Nusantara to prepare, develop and relocate the State Capital and build a Special Government, the project that is scheduled to finish by the first quarter of 2024. Reports suggest, Indonesia is planning to convert Nusantara into a world-class city that will be suitable to be the domicile for institutions, foreign diplomats and embassies and representatives of other global organisations. As per plans, Indonesia aims to convert Nusantara into a well-designed smart and sustainable city.
Along with the new capital, other governmental institutions along with the offices and residences of ministers and civil servants will also be shifted to Nusantara. This will also include rebuilding the Presidential Palace.