A new city is being constructed in Indonesia, known as Nusantara, which will serve as the country’s new capital. The move from Jakarta to Nusantara is due to the climate crisis, with rising sea levels putting Jakarta at risk of sinking. The decision to relocate the capital follows a trend of countries moving their capitals, with Brazil and Nigeria being two examples. However, this is the first time that the climate crisis has played a significant role in the decision-making process.
Nusantara is being built on the eastern coast of Borneo, approximately 870 miles north of Jakarta. The construction of Nusantara is estimated to cost $35 billion and is expected to be completed by 2045. Despite the completion date, about 6,000 government workers are expected to move to Nusantara in time for the next president’s inauguration in October.
Jakarta, located on the northwest coast of Java, is Indonesia’s current capital and largest city. It is home to over 10.6 million people and about 30 million in the metropolitan area. However, about 40% of Jakarta is now below sea level due to rising sea levels caused by climate change.
The new city of Nusantara will provide a safe location for Indonesia’s population and government operations as they continue to address climate change and its effects on their country’s infrastructure and economy.
