Can Indonesia pull off relocating its capital?

The Inquiry

PODCAST:The Inquiry
TITLE:Can Indonesia pull off relocating its capital?
DATE:2024-01-18 00:00:00
URL:
MODEL:gpt-4-gizmo


In the BBC World Service podcast "The Inquiry," titled "Can Indonesia Pull Off Relocating Its Capital," the episode, aired on January 18, 2024, explores Indonesia's ambitious plan to move its capital from Jakarta to a new location called Nusantara. The podcast features four expert witnesses who discuss various aspects of this massive undertaking. Here is a detailed summary:

  1. Jakarta's Burden:

    • Jakarta, the current capital since 1945, faces severe challenges such as congestion, pollution, and sinking land. The city is one of the most densely populated in the world, with environmental issues like poor air quality and polluted river water. Jakarta is sinking at an alarming rate, making it one of the fastest sinking capitals globally.

  2. The Vision of Nusantara:

    • The new capital, Nusantara, is located in East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo. The project is part of Indonesia's "Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision," aiming to make the country the fifth-largest economy by 2045. The relocation is intended to develop a new economic center and reduce Java's dominance in Indonesia's economic activity.

  3. Challenges in Realizing the Vision:

    • The Nusantara project is ambitious and costly, estimated at $35 billion, with Indonesia's government funding 19% and the rest expected from investors. The project has five development phases, with the first phase set to complete in 2024. The city is planned to house around 2 million people by 2045, and migration will occur in phases.

  4. Political Implications and Election Impact:

    • The relocation project has become a significant issue in the upcoming presidential election. The candidates have varying views on Nusantara, affecting the project's future. Concerns include the continuation of the vision across different administrations and integrating Jakarta's culture into Nusantara.

  5. Local and Environmental Concerns:

    • There are environmental concerns regarding the impact of Nusantara on Kalimantan, which is already affected by deforestation and resource extraction. Local communities fear the project will exacerbate these issues. Additionally, there are reservations about the project addressing regional inequalities and Jakarta's social and environmental challenges.

  6. International Relations and Investment Challenges:

    • The success of Nusantara depends significantly on foreign investment, which is yet to be secured. The project's completion may impact Indonesia's regional relations, particularly with neighboring countries like the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.

  7. Conclusion: Feasibility and Future Prospects:

    • The podcast concludes that while the first phase of Nusantara may complete on time, the future phases depend heavily on foreign investment and political will. The project faces challenges in addressing Jakarta's issues, regional inequalities, and environmental concerns. The upcoming presidential election will play a crucial role in determining the project's direction and feasibility.

Overall, the podcast "The Inquiry" provides an in-depth analysis of Indonesia's capital relocation plan, highlighting the complexities and challenges involved in this monumental project. The discussion emphasizes the need for careful consideration of environmental, social, and political factors in ensuring the success and sustainability of Nusantara.