Moving Capital Will Take Away Environmental Burdens from Jakarta: Ministry

TheIndonesia.co - The Indonesian government says by moving the capital to East Kalimantan, it aims to reduce environmental burdens in Java island, especially Jakarta and its satellite cities.

Acting regional II director at the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas) Mohammad Roudo said the government is well-aware of the economic concentration and supporting resources available in Jakarta, Java, and Bali. However, it aims to push for equal social and economic development across the country by 2045 – including through burden-sharing.

“This is one of the efforts to economic transformation and reducing regional gap. [To accelerate] equality by creating new center of development,” Roudo said on Wednesday, February 2, as reported by Antara.

He added that the decision wasn’t made lightly and was based extensive studies, researches, and public consultation for two to three years.

On why the government chose East Kalimantan, the state official said it’s because the province is considered logistically ready.

The region also has its own endemic species, and socially, the people are familiar with acculturation.

Despite the grand plan, Roudo said the government remains committed to conserve Kalimantan as one of world’s lungs, to ensure the position of customary law communities, and to safeguard the rich biodiversity, including orangutan.

Furthermore, Indonesia’s dividend is estimated not to give its full benefits if it’s concentrated in Java and Sumatra islands. And in the middle of the ongoing pandemic, the national project is predicted to accelerate economic growth.

Indonesia is moving its capital from Jakarta to North Penajam Paser and Kutai Kartanegara regencies in East Kalimantan province. And last month, the Indonesian government announced that the name of the new capital is Nusantara.

Development continues to take place as first round of relocation is expected to start in 2024.