Capitals of the future

Lezhi, W.

New Mandala

Aug 26, 2024

Compare Indonesia’s new capital with Xi Jinping’s “pet project” and you’ll see striking resonances in the nationalist–developmentalist visions these planned cities embody.

Aug 26, 2024

Syaban, A. S. N., & Appiah-Opoku, S.

Land 2024, 13(5), 606

Apr 30, 2024

The relocation of Indonesia’s capital to the IKN (Ibu Kota Negara) Nusantara in East Kalimantan is leading to significant changes in land use, shifting from natural vegetation and agriculture to urban infrastructure. This transition brings about economic diversification and urban expansion, but it also raises concerns about its impact on society, the economy, and the environment. The rapid development affects biodiversity conservation, food security, and the livelihoods of rural and Indigenous communities, leading to conflicts across social and economic dimensions. This research uses qualitative and quantitative data to examine the socio-economic and environmental changes in the IKN Nusantara area from 2003 to 2023. The findings show a notable increase in built-up areas, indicating urbanization and a decrease in agricultural land. The study discusses the implications for local populations and ecosystems, emphasizing the need for inclusive governance, community participation, and conflict resolution. It also proposes a comprehensive policy framework that promotes sustainable land management, recognizes Indigenous and local rights, and fosters inclusive economic growth to respect Indonesia’s rich environmental and cultural heritage.

Apr 30, 2024

Rachmawati, R., Reinhart, H., Rohmah, A. A., Sensuse, D. I., & Sunindyo, W. D.

Journal of Urban and Regional Analysis, 16(1), 85-113

Mar 22, 2024

Research on the concept of Smart Sustainable Urban Development and its implementation is critical to support the urban future and urban governance. This research analyses the implementation of the smart sustainable urban development concept to support the urban future through the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals, and urban governance in Nusantara Capital City, Indonesia. We collected data through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with the policy stakeholders and agencies relevant to the development plan of the city, supplemented with field surveys. The results show that the urban future from the national government is envisaged through six domain services encapsulating the sustainability and smart city elements. In the regional and local level, challenges are met including the environmental and social impact but through government collaboration and devising Information and Communication Technology, the authority has been able to design the solution. Sustainability, Information and Communication Technology, smart city, and urban governance constitute critical elements in the process of urban development, especially for the development of a new capital city.

Mar 22, 2024

Syaban, A. S. N., & Appiah-Opoku, S.

Urban, Planning and Transport Research, 11(1)

Oct 23, 2023

This paper explores the proposed relocation of Indonesia’s capital city from Jakarta to Kalimantan. With its population of over 10 million, Jakarta faces environmental challenges such as severe traffic congestion and air pollution. This study used mixed methods and triangulation of data collection to investigate the capital’s relocation challenges and the prospects of the nations development. The methods include interviews with key informants in selected government agencies and non-governmental agencies, as well as content analysis of relevant secondary data and information. The results contribute to our understanding of the socioeconomic, political, and environmental impacts of relocating a capital city in an archipelagic country like Indonesia. The paper concludes that the proposed new capital’s location in Kalimantan offers a more sustainable alternative with the potential for economic growth and ecological preservation. It could serve as a symbol of national identity and a representation of the nation’s advancement.

Oct 23, 2023