The American space agency NASA has unveiled striking satellite images showcasing the remarkable transformation of a jungle landscape into a burgeoning city, heralding Indonesia’s ambitious venture – the construction of its new capital, Nusantra, on the island of Borneo. These images, captured from orbit, provide a glimpse into the dramatic changes that have unfolded in the forested terrain of Eastern Kalimantan since 2022, marking significant progress in the city’s development.
According to NASA, the once dense forest area has undergone rapid alteration over nearly two years, with the emergence of extensive road networks and the construction of buildings near Balikpapan Bay. The photos depict the evolving urban footprint as Nusantra begins to take shape amidst the lush backdrop of Borneo’s wilderness.
The decision to establish a new capital stems from the myriad challenges afflicting Indonesia’s current capital, Jakarta, which is grappling with a plethora of issues including recurrent flooding, severe air pollution, water scarcity, and debilitating traffic congestion. With a population exceeding 30 million, Jakarta’s woes underscore the urgency of relocating the seat of government to a more sustainable and resilient location.
NASA’s Earth Observatory highlights Jakarta’s alarming subsidence rates, exacerbated by excessive groundwater extraction, resulting in parts of the city sinking up to 15 centimeters annually. Moreover, approximately 40 percent of Jakarta now lies below sea level, exacerbating the city’s vulnerability to rising sea levels and inundation.
The genesis of Indonesia’s new capital can be traced back to 2019 when the master plan for Nusantra was conceived. The blueprint, endorsed by authorities, envisioned a city characterized by stilted structures and elevated walkways, seamlessly integrated with transportation hubs to navigate the region’s undulating terrain.
Construction commenced in 2022, in an area previously enveloped by forests and oil palm plantations, situated approximately 30 kilometers inland from the Makassar Strait. The appellation “Nusantra,” derived from ancient Javanese, connotes “outer islands” or “archipelago,” encapsulating Indonesia’s diverse and sprawling geographical expanse.
Initially designed to accommodate 500,000 inhabitants, Nusantra is poised to become a model “green, walkable” metropolis, underpinned by renewable energy sources, with an ambitious target to maintain 75 percent of the city’s area as forested land. The nascent city’s infrastructure is meticulously planned to foster sustainability and environmental harmony.
The monumental undertaking is slated for completion by 2045, marking a significant milestone in Indonesia’s trajectory towards urban development and resilience. As Nusantra evolves from conceptualization to reality, it symbolizes Indonesia’s unwavering commitment to crafting a modern, sustainable urban landscape poised to meet the challenges of the 21st century and beyond.