Ibu Kota Kalimantan Utara: The Future Capital of Indonesia?
Introduction
Indonesia, the fourth most populous country in the world, comprises of 17,508 islands that stretch over 5,000 km along the equator. A country full of diversity with around 1,300 different ethnic groups and languages, it is known for its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and vibrant cities. However, the country also faces various challenges, including natural disasters, pollution, and overpopulation. As a result, the government has decided to move the capital of Indonesia from Jakarta, the current capital, to a new location in Kalimantan Utara. This new city will be called Ibu Kota Kalimantan Utara (IKKU) and is expected to become the new center of government, culture, and innovation for the country.
Ibu Kota Kalimantan Utara: Why it is Necessary
Jakarta, the current capital of Indonesia, is one of the largest megalopolises in the world, with a population of over 10 million people. It is not only the center of government and business but is also a cultural hub for the country. However, the city is facing numerous issues due to overpopulation, including traffic congestion, severe air pollution, and the risk of flooding. Jakarta is also sinking due to water pumping and land subsidence, and it is estimated that by 2050, half of the city will be below mean sea level. As a result, the government has been considering moving the capital to a new location for decades, and in August 2019, President Joko Widodo announced that IKKU would be the site of the new capital city.
The move to IKKU is intended to address the problems that Jakarta is currently facing. The new city will be built from scratch and designed to be a more efficient, sustainable, and innovative capital that is resilient to natural disasters. It will be strategically located in the center of Indonesia, making it more accessible to the people from other parts of the country. The relocation is expected to help decongest Jakarta, reduce traffic, and ease the burden on the city’s infrastructure.
Location and Benefits
IKKU will be located in the North Kalimantan province, on the east coast of the island of Borneo, within the district of Kutai Kartanegara and the regency of Penajam Paser Utara. The area is known for its rich natural resources, including oil, gas, and coal. The total area of IKKU is estimated to be around 180,000 hectares, and the population is estimated to be 1.5 million people by 2040.
The new capital city is expected to bring significant benefits to the country. It will be designed to be a sustainable environment with green spaces, efficient transportation, and modern infrastructure. It will also create new business opportunities and generate jobs for the local population, as well as help stimulate economic development in the surrounding regions. The relocation of the capital will also help shift the country’s focus to other regions of Indonesia, thereby promoting regional development and reducing inequality.
Timeline and Progress
The development of IKKU is a massive undertaking and is expected to take up to ten years to complete. The construction of the new capital city will be carried out in three stages. The first stage will involve the development of the basic infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public utilities, and is expected to take around four years to complete. The second stage will involve the construction of the government offices, residential complexes, and commercial areas, and will take around six years to complete. The third stage will involve the development of additional infrastructure and the expansion of the city as needed. The estimated cost of the project is around $34 billion.
The project is still in the early stages of development, and much of the work is still in progress. In December 2020, the groundbreaking ceremony was held to initiate the construction of the new city. The ceremony was attended by the Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, and other high-ranking officials. The construction of the basic infrastructure has begun, and several companies have been awarded contracts for the work.
FAQs
1) When will the new capital city be ready?
The development of Ibu Kota Kalimantan Utara is expected to take up to ten years to complete. The first stage is expected to be completed by 2024, while the entire project is expected to be completed by 2030.
2) What will be the population of the new city?
The population of Ibu Kota Kalimantan Utara is estimated to be 1.5 million people by 2040.
3) How much will it cost to develop the new capital city?
The estimated cost of the development of Ibu Kota Kalimantan Utara is $34 billion.
4) What kind of infrastructure will be in the new city?
The new city will have modern infrastructure, including efficient transportation, high-speed internet, and public utilities. It will also have green spaces, residential areas, and commercial areas.
5) What is the expected impact of Ibu Kota Kalimantan Utara on the environment?
The new city is being designed to be a sustainable environment with green spaces and modern infrastructure. The overall impact on the environment is expected to be positive as it will help reduce the burden on Jakarta and promote regional development.
Conclusion
The development of Ibu Kota Kalimantan Utara is a massive undertaking that will have a significant impact on Indonesia’s future. The move to the new capital city is expected to help address the problems that Jakarta is currently facing and promote regional development. The new city will be designed to be a sustainable environment with modern infrastructure and green spaces. While the project is still in the early stages of development, it is expected to take up to ten years to complete. It will be interesting to see the progress of the project and the impact it will have on the region and the country.
