Since last Saturday, Indonesia has had a new capital, Nusantara. The decision to build this was made several years ago. The mega-project has been met with a lot of criticism, but from the Indonesian government's point of view it is unavoidable.
Jakarta, the former capital of Indonesia, has suffered from increasingly serious problems in recent decades. The city is overpopulated, traffic is chaotic and pollution has reached alarming levels. But the biggest problem is the ground, which is sinking due to rising sea levels. Experts estimate that large parts of the city could sink into the sea in the coming decades.
In view of these enormous problems, which are already being felt in parts of the city, the Indonesian government has decided to move the capital to a less endangered region. The choice fell on a region in the province of East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo.
The development of Nusantara was a mammoth project that was planned and implemented over many years. The new capital was designed using the latest technology and sustainable concepts. The aim was to create a city that would meet the demands of the 21st century while leaving a small ecological footprint.
The relocation of the capital took place in several phases. Last Saturday, the central government buildings and the basic infrastructure were inaugurated with a ceremonial ceremony and the new seat of government was officially relocated to Nusantara.
However, the critical voices surrounding this mega project are very loud. Borneo is known for its dense rainforests and unique biodiversity. Many environmentalists fear that the relocation of the capital could harm the region's sensitive ecosystems. However, the government emphasizes that strict environmental regulations were observed during the planning and implementation of the project. Social aspects also play a role, as the region in which the new capital is located is home to many indigenous peoples. These people are concerned that their way of life could be endangered by urbanization. However, the government has also promised to take the interests of the affected communities into account and to work closely with them.