Indonesia is building a new capital city

Indonesia is building a new capital city, Nusantara, from scratch, at a cost of $35 billion. The city is being constructed on the eastern coast of Borneo, about 870 miles north of the current capital, Jakarta. The move is prompted by the climate crisis, as Jakarta is sinking due to rising sea levels and subsidence.

Jakarta, home to 10.6 million people, is the world's fastest-sinking megacity, with 40% of the area now below sea level. The city is experiencing frequent flooding, and experts warn that a third of Jakarta could be submerged by 2050 if the current rate of subsidence continues.

Nusantara, which means "the outer islands," was chosen as the new capital due to its relatively low risk of earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. The city is being built on a 1,700-square-kilometer site in East Kalimantan, and is expected to be completed by 2045.

The construction of Nusantara began in July 2022, with 100,000 workers initially involved. The number of workers has since increased to between 150,000 and 200,000. The city is being designed to be "green, walkable," and powered entirely by renewable energy by 2045. A 50-megawatt solar plant is planned, and only electric vehicles will be allowed by the end of the decade.

The Indonesian government has pledged to make Nusantara a 100% green city, with a focus on sustainability and environmental protection. The city is expected to have an initial population of about 500,000, and will feature a network of roads, government facilities, and dwellings.

However, the project is facing funding challenges, with the Indonesian government only committing to provide about 20% of the funds. The remaining funding is being sought from other sources, including international investors. Despite the challenges, the project is expected to create new economic opportunities and drive growth in the region.

Nusantara is not the first city to be built from scratch, but it is the first time that the climate crisis has played a role in the decision to relocate a capital city. The project is a significant undertaking, and its success will depend on careful planning, execution, and funding. If successful, Nusantara could become a model for sustainable urban development and a symbol of Indonesia's commitment to addressing the climate crisis.