Several countries have expressed interest in relocating their capital cities. In recent years, many countries have sought to move their capitals due to various factors. One of the primary reasons influencing these decisions is the surrounding environment. Beyond environmental considerations, other factors prompting countries to relocate their capitals include ecological, sociological, and historical aspects.
This phenomenon is observed in numerous countries across different continents. In the case of Indonesia, the capital city is being relocated from Jakarta to a new location in East Kalimantan, now known as Nusantara. The decision to move Indonesia's capital is based on studies indicating that the land in the Jakarta area is subsiding. Another significant consideration is the increasing population density, which has led to the decision to relocate the capital to Nusantara in East Kalimantan.
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According to the official website Indonesiabaik.id dan and several other sources, several reasons have been cited for relocating Indonesia's capital from Jakarta to Nusantara:
Increasing Population Density
According to a report by the Central Statistics Agency on the population by district/city in DKI Jakarta Province, in 2023, Jakarta had a population of 10.67 million. With an area of only 661.5 km², Jakarta is highly densely populated. Additionally, Java Island is home to approximately 151 million people, representing about 56.10% of Indonesia's population.
Despite the accessibility of Java Island, it lacks an adequate environmental management system to cope with the increasing influx of migrants from various regions.
High Urbanization Rates
As mentioned, population growth is a critical issue that requires careful attention. Furthermore, the high rate of urbanization is another reason for relocating the capital from Jakarta to East Kalimantan. Many people from other provinces or regions flock to Jakarta or Java Island, causing the population on the island to increase annually. This poses a threat, as a growing population leads to greater demand for essential resources such as food, clothing, and shelter.
Threats of Flooding, Natural Disasters, and Land Subsidence in Jakarta
According to data from Indonesiabaik.id, approximately 50% of Jakarta is at risk of flooding with a frequency of fewer than ten years. In addition, Jakarta and Java Island face threats from volcanic activity and the potential for earthquakes and tsunamis. This is due to Indonesia's geographical location, particularly Java Island, situated at the convergence of the Indo-Australian and Eurasian tectonic plates off the coast of Java. This location contributes to the presence of many volcanoes on Java Island and the associated risks of earthquakes and tsunamis.
Water Crisis
According to the official website of the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, Java Island is facing a severe water crisis. The government predicts that Java will experience a significant loss of water sources by 2040. The Indonesian Institute of Sciences also cites several factors contributing to the water crisis in Java, including uncontrolled population growth, land-use changes, and climate change. As a preventive measure, the Indonesian government has initiated numerous dam projects and revitalized reservoirs and lakes to prevent a water crisis. This is also one of the reasons behind the plan to relocate the capital to East Kalimantan.
