The construction of Nusantara, Indonesia’s new capital city, is currently underway. The estimated cost of the project is $35 billion and it is projected to be completed by 2045. The decision to relocate the capital stems from the growing threat of sinking land in Jakarta due to rising sea levels.
Jakarta, located on the northwest coast of Java at the mouth of the Ciliwung river, is both Indonesia’s capital and its largest city. With a population of around 10.6 million people and 30 million in the metropolitan area, Jakarta faces a significant challenge with 40% of its area currently below sea level. This has led to concerns about the long-term sustainability of the city and its ability to accommodate continued growth.
The Indonesian government’s plan is to move the capital to Nusantara, a new city being constructed on the eastern coast of Borneo, approximately 870 miles north of Jakarta. While construction is still in progress, around 6,000 government workers are expected to relocate there in time for the next president’s inauguration in October. This move highlights the impact that climate change can have on cities and their populations.
While other countries have previously shifted their capitals, Indonesia’s decision to move its capital due to rising sea levels sets it apart as a leader in addressing this critical global issue. As Jakarta continues to sink beneath rising water levels, Nusantara offers a hopeful future for Indonesia and its citizens who are committed to building a sustainable future for themselves and generations to come.