Jakarta One of the Largest Cities in the World is Sinking and It’s Costing $35B to Rebuild

Now, Indonesian officials are building another capital city, Nusantara. However, it is expected to cost at least $35 billion and won’t be finished until 2045. 

However, 40% of the city is now below sea level, and as water levels continue to rise, that percentage will also increase. 

However, this causes many problems. Using the wells depletes the aquifers, weakening the ground and causing the city to sink further. 

This was where they chose East Kalimantan as the site for their future capital city because it’s close to the sea and has very little chance of earthquakes, tsunamis, or volcanic eruptions happening. 

The melting polar ice caps are changing how the earth rotates, which is expected to cause us to lose one second in time soon. 

The new capital city of Nusantara is not expected to be completed until 2045 at the earliest, which could have catastrophic consequences if it doesn’t happen sooner. 

This comes after concerns about how this will affect Indonesia’s climate, including deforestation and a rise in pollution from coal mining and palm oil industries. 

This means over 75% of the city’s Governmental Zone will be green, each resident will be able to reach a green recreational site in 10 minutes, and all buildings will be constructed using environmentally friendly methods. 

It is believed that the infrastructure for 500,000 residents in Nusantara will be complete by August 2024, which brings hope to many. 

This is happening in time for the next president’s inauguration, which will happen in October. When finished, Nusantara will have a population of 1.9 million. 

Building Nusantara from scratch means having complete control over the city’s infrastructure, especially when keeping it green and climate-friendly. 

The Indonesian government is only committed to financing 20% of this project and is struggling to find the funds from elsewhere. Investments in the project will have to happen soon to ensure Nusantara is completed by the 2045 end date. 

The success of these efforts provides valuable lessons in urban planning and sustainability that could be applied to Nusantara’s development.

However, this also presents opportunities for redevelopment and new industries to emerge in the old capital, potentially revitalizing parts of the city.

This cultural preservation can support tourism and educational initiatives, ensuring that Jakarta’s history is not overshadowed by Nusantara.

This includes the integration of green spaces, adherence to low-carbon construction practices, and protection of local biodiversity — initiatives that are crucial in mitigating environmental impacts and establishing a model for future green cities.

These technologies could enhance residents’ quality of life and operational efficiency, setting a benchmark for future urban developments globally.

Laws will need to ensure transparent and fair practices while fostering community participation and protecting local ecosystems, providing a strong foundation for the new capital’s growth.

These services are designed to be accessible and high quality, ensuring that all demographic groups are accommodated and can thrive in the new environment.

This includes building in safe zones, employing resilient construction materials, and planning for emergency services. Such proactive planning is essential to protect the city and its inhabitants.

Understanding and managing these shifts will be crucial for social integration and economic stability, ensuring that both cities develop harmoniously.

Nusantara could serve as a symbol of Indonesia’s modernization and environmental consciousness, potentially enhancing its regional influence and fostering new international partnerships.

Strategic tourism planning can help both cities benefit, with Jakarta highlighting its traditional and historical aspects and Nusantara showcasing innovation and sustainability.

Future development phases will likely focus on expanding technological integration and enhancing quality of life, setting new standards for cities around the world in terms of sustainability and innovation.