Pemindahan Ibukota Ke Kalimantan: The Pros and Cons
Introduction
In August 2019, President Joko Widodo of Indonesia announced that he plans to move the country’s capital from Jakarta to Kalimantan, which is located on the island of Borneo. Jakarta, the current capital, has been facing critical problems, including overcrowding, traffic congestion, and severe pollution. The idea of moving the capital has been discussed for years, but it is only recently that the government has seriously considered it. The decision to relocate has sparked a lot of debates, and this article will explore the pros and cons of the proposed move.
The Benefits of Moving the Capital
There are several advantages to moving the capital to Kalimantan. One of the significant benefits is that it will help to spread prosperity and development evenly across the country. Jakarta currently dominates Indonesia’s economy, and it contributes to about a fifth of the country’s GDP. Moving the capital to Kalimantan is expected to attract more investment in the region, which will create more job opportunities and boost economic growth.
Another advantage of the move is that it will ease the population burden on Jakarta. Jakarta is the most populated city in Indonesia, with over 10 million inhabitants, and it has been struggling to accommodate its residents. The city’s infrastructure has been unable to keep up with the increasing number of people, resulting in traffic congestions and insufficient public facilities.
Moreover, the relocation of the capital will help to reduce the environmental impact caused by Jakarta. The city is one of the most polluted in the world, and over time, it has become one of the most significant contributors to climate change in Indonesia. The move to Kalimantan will relocate industries and factories that generate pollution, which will have a significant positive impact on the environment.
The Drawbacks of Moving the Capital
Although there are advantages to the relocation of the capital from Jakarta to Kalimantan, there are also significant drawbacks that need to be considered. One of the primary disadvantages is the cost of moving. Experts estimate that the relocation of the capital will cost Indonesia up to $32.7 billion, which is equivalent to 2% of the nation’s GDP. This is no small sum, and it will require significant funding from the government and other sources.
Another disadvantage of the move is that it will take time to develop a new city and infrastructure. Jakarta has been the capital for over 70 years, and it has developed over time to become a significant city with all the necessary infrastructure. Moving the capital to Kalimantan will require the development of new infrastructure, including roads, airports, and public facilities. It will take several years to develop these facilities, and this could negatively impact the economy and the people’s daily lives.
Moreover, the relocation of the capital will have social and cultural impacts. Jakarta has been the capital of Indonesia since the country gained its independence, and it has become a significant cultural hub. The move to Kalimantan will mean that many Jakarta residents who have called the city home for generations will have to move to another city. This could lead to social tensions and cultural changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the reason for relocating the capital?
The main reason for moving the capital from Jakarta to Kalimantan is to reduce the environmental impact caused by the city, ease the population burden on Jakarta, and spread economic development to other regions in Indonesia.
2. What are the benefits of moving the capital?
The relocation of the capital will help to spread prosperity and development evenly across Indonesia, ease congestion and pollution in Jakarta, and create new job opportunities.
3. What are the disadvantages of moving the capital?
The relocation of the capital will cost Indonesia a lot of money, and it will take time to build a new city and the necessary infrastructure. The move could also have social and cultural impacts, and Jakarta residents may have to resettle elsewhere.
4. When will the capital be moved to Kalimantan?
The relocation is expected to take place over the next decade, with the construction of new infrastructure and facilities.
5. How will the government pay for the move?
The Indonesian government is exploring various options for funding the relocation of the capital, including a public-private partnership and international loans.
Conclusion
The decision to relocate the capital from Jakarta to Kalimantan is a significant undertaking that will have long-term implications for Indonesia. While there are benefits to moving the capital, including spreading development and easing the population burden on Jakarta, there are also drawbacks, including the cost of the move, the time needed to build a new city and infrastructure, and the social and cultural impact. The Indonesian government must carefully weigh these pros and cons before moving forward with the relocation plan.
