That country's capital is sinking

The city of Jakarta in Indonesia, home to approximately 42 million people, is under major threat due to factors such as rapid population growth, heavy traffic, and rising sea levels. In some parts of the city, the ground is sinking by up to 25 centimeters per year, and infrastructure and residential areas frequently face floods and inundation. Experts point to excessive groundwater extraction and urbanization as the primary causes of this collapse.

The country's administration has decided to change the capital in order to find a permanent solution to these problems. As part of a massive project planned to cost approximately 33 billion dollars, the construction of the new capital, Nusantara, is proceeding rapidly. Rising in a vast forested area on the island of Borneo, Nusantara has been designed with government buildings, modern residences, smart city systems, and highways. Officials emphasize that large green spaces are at the forefront of the new city and that it will stand out with its eco-friendly structure.

The initiative to relocate the capital was first announced in 2019. However, following the Covid-19 pandemic that affected the world, the construction schedule was postponed to 2022. Since that date, the construction of government campuses, roads, housing areas, and technology-focused infrastructure has continued. While the main administrative institutions in Nusantara are targeted to become operational by 2028, the entire city is expected to be completed by 2045.

With this move, Indonesia aims both to move away from the risks of the collapsing Jakarta and to create a more sustainable and secure capital.