June 6th 2024.
Proposed Future Presidential Palace in Indonesia:
Indonesia, a country in Southeast Asia, is home to one of the oldest continually inhabited cities, Jakarta. With a bustling population of over 10.5 million people, Jakarta is also one of the most populous urban areas in the region. However, its future is looking uncertain as the city is sinking into the ground due to its location on swampy land and the effects of climate change.
Jakarta is also facing numerous environmental challenges, including pollution and the threat of earthquakes. As a result, the government has come up with a bold plan to relocate the capital to a new city called Nusantara, located 870 miles north of Jakarta in the jungles of East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo.
The Nusantara plan, estimated to cost $32 billion, is the first time a country has taken into account the effects of climate change when relocating its capital. It is hoped that this new city will be a sustainable and innovative metropolis, blending modern urban infrastructure with natural landscapes.
The plan to move the capital was first announced by President Joko Widodo in 2017 and was later ratified in 2019. The official inauguration of Nusantara is set for August 17, coinciding with Indonesia's Independence Day. Construction began in July 2022, with a focus on creating a green and futuristic city that prioritizes sustainability and innovation.
Nusantara is expected to sprawl over 990 square miles, surrounded by hilly landscapes, a forest, and a natural bay. The city will feature extensive green spaces, renewable energy systems, and smart city technologies. Urban planners have also prioritized public transportation and pedestrian-friendly pathways to minimize carbon emissions, unlike in Jakarta.
The ambitious plan for Nusantara has garnered attention from foreign investors, with the Indonesian government even employing a PR campaign and inviting influencers to visit the site. However, the project has faced setbacks, including financial issues and the recent resignation of top officials overseeing the development of the new capital.
There have also been concerns raised about the impact of the project on the surrounding environment and local Indigenous communities. Residents of Balikpapan Bay have been ordered to vacate their homes and abandon their farmland to make way for the new city, with compensation yet to be received. This has caused a strain on families and communities, as they are forced to leave their homes and traditional way of life behind.
Despite the challenges, the government remains determined to see the project through, with plans for 300 investment projects in various sectors. However, it is clear that the development of Nusantara will have a high cost, not just financially but also to the environment and the affected communities. As construction continues, only time will tell if this new city will truly be a sustainable and innovative capital for Indonesia.
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