Ibu Kota Kalimantan Selatan: The Future Capital of Indonesia?
Introduction
Ibu Kota Kalimantan Selatan, commonly known as IKS, is a proposed new capital city of Indonesia. The plan for the new city was first introduced by President Joko Widodo in August 2019. The current capital, Jakarta, has been struggling with significant issues such as traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overpopulation, which have prompted the need for a new capital that can address these problems.
The proposed new capital will be located in the province of South Kalimantan, in the southern part of Borneo island. The project is expected to be completed by 2025 and will cost around $33 billion. The new city will cover an area of over 180,000 hectares, which is more than three times the size of Jakarta.
Why a New Capital?
Jakarta has been the capital of Indonesia since the country gained independence in 1945. However, the city has been grappling with pollution, overpopulation, and traffic congestion, which have had adverse effects on the environment, the economy, and the quality of life of its residents.
The problems in Jakarta are due to several factors, such as poor urban planning, inadequate public transportation, and drainage systems. Climate change has also exacerbated the effects of flooding, which has become a regular occurrence in the city. All these issues have contributed to the need for a new capital that can better serve the people of Indonesia.
The proposed new capital will address the current challenges of Jakarta and is expected to provide a more sustainable and livable city for its residents. To this end, the design of the new capital includes provisions for eco-friendly and sustainable practices, such as green spaces, smart transportation systems, and waste management systems.
Location and Infrastructure
The new capital will be located in South Kalimantan province, in the southern part of Borneo island. The site was chosen based on several factors, such as its strategic location, its potential for development, and its suitability for urban planning.
One of the key features of the new capital will be its infrastructure. The city will be designed with modern infrastructure, such as a high-speed rail system, an international airport, and an integrated transport system that will include buses, trains, and trams. In addition, the city will have a modern drainage system to prevent flooding and will have a water treatment plant to ensure a reliable supply of clean water.
The city will also be designed with an eco-friendly and sustainable approach, with provisions for green spaces, parks, and other recreational areas. The new capital will be built on a sustainable model that emphasizes environmental sustainability, social inclusivity, and economic resilience.
Economic Benefits
The construction of the new capital is expected to have significant economic benefits for Indonesia. The new city will spur economic growth and development, which will create job opportunities and attract more investment to the region.
The new capital is also expected to help reduce the income gap between different regions of Indonesia. Currently, several regions in Indonesia are significantly underdeveloped compared to others, which has resulted in a disparity in economic growth and development. The construction of the new capital is expected to create opportunities for more equitable economic growth across the country.
In addition, the new capital is expected to attract more tourism to the region. The unique features of the new city, such as the eco-friendly design and modern infrastructure, are likely to draw visitors from both within and outside Indonesia. This will create more job opportunities in the tourism sector and contribute to the overall economic growth of the region.
Challenges and Concerns
Despite the potential benefits of the new capital, there are several challenges and concerns that need to be addressed. One of the primary concerns is the environmental impact of the project. The construction of the new capital will require significant amounts of land development which may lead to environmental degradation if not managed properly.
Another concern is the displacement of indigenous populations that live in the proposed area. The government has assured that proper consultation with affected populations will take place and that compensation will be provided for those impacted by the project.
Finally, the construction of the new capital is expected to be a costly affair, with an estimated cost of $33 billion. This may strain the country’s economy and resources, and may require the government to seek external financing to complete the project.
FAQs Section
Here are some frequently asked questions about Ibu Kota Kalimantan Selatan:
Q: When will the new capital be completed?
A: The new capital is expected to be completed by 2025.
Q: What is the estimated cost of the project?
A: The cost of the project is estimated to be around $33 billion.
Q: What is the size of the new capital?
A: The new capital will cover an area of over 180,000 hectares, which is more than three times the size of Jakarta.
Q: Where will the new capital be located?
A: The new capital will be located in South Kalimantan province, in the southern part of Borneo island.
Q: What are the potential benefits of the new capital?
A: The new capital is expected to spur economic growth and development, create job opportunities, reduce the income gap between regions, and attract more tourism to the region.
Q: What are the concerns and challenges associated with the new capital?
A: The concerns and challenges associated with the new capital include environmental impact, displacement of indigenous populations, and the cost of the project.
Conclusion
The proposed new capital of Indonesia, Ibu Kota Kalimantan Selatan, promises to provide a sustainable and livable city that addresses the current challenges of Jakarta. With modern infrastructure, eco-friendly design, and a focus on economic growth and development, the new capital has the potential to spur equitable growth and development across the country. However, it is important for the government to address the potential challenges and concerns of the project to ensure that it is completed successfully and sustainably.
