Building Indonesia’s new capital city: an in-depth analysis of prospects and challenges from current capital city of Jakarta to Kalimantan

Figures & data

Table 1. Achievement and challenges of capital city relocations.

Country	New Capital	Reasons for Relocation	Achievement	Challenges
Brazil	Brasilia	congestion, limited land for development, as well as social and economic inequality	achieved the highest per capita gross domestic product (GDP) of any Latin American city then	urban planning challenges, economic disparities with nearby regions, environmental concerns like deforestation, and the city’s isolation raised political and cultural adjustment issues for its inhabitants.
Kazakhstan	Astana	structural conditions, low population density and, great cultural diversity	bridge their ethnic variety, suppressed sub-ethnic conflict	high costs, harsh climate, necessitated cultural and social adjustments, and had urban planning issues and geopolitical implications tied to counterbalancing Russian influence.
Nigeria	Abuja	congestion, overpopulated, imbalance economic disparity	bringing stability to ties between different ethnic groups	financial burdens, led to land rights disputes from displacing locals, rapid growth, required cultural adjustments, and unforeseen security issues despite its centralized location.
Myanmar	Naypyidaw	as a symbol of the greatness of the country, safe from cyclones, and strategic location	centralized governance, enhanced security, spurred modern infrastructure, boosted regional economic growth, showcased thoughtful urban planning, and symbolized a departure from colonial-era influences.	lacks adequate commercial and educational facilities, making it less appealing for businesses and families considering relocation.
Malaysia	Putrajaya	balance population and basic economic activities	relieved congestion in Kuala Lumpur, showcased modern urban planning, became a symbol of the nation’s progress, attracted tourists with its architecture and boosted regional economic growth.	Government employees resist relocating from Kuala Lumpur to Putrajaya to avoid the challenges and costs of daily commuting and the disruption to their established routines and lifestyles.
South Korea	Sejong	focus on government administration activities	reduce Seoul’s congestion and drive balanced growth, and boosted regional economies.	government employees are hesitant to relocate from Seoul to Sejong primarily due to the challenges of commuting between the two cities, which are approximately 120 kilometers apart. The prospect of hours of daily travel not only presents physical and financial burdens but also disrupts work-life balance, as employees would spend less quality time with their families.

Source: Authors, 2023.

Figure 1. Jakarta’s population (in million).

Source: Authors, 2022

Figure 2. Batavia (old Jakarta).

Source: (Steinberg, 2007)

Figure 3. New capital city location.

Source: IKN Authority, 2023

Figure 4. Indonesia and Kalimantan’s provinces population densities.

Source: Authors, 2023

Figure 5. Greater Jakarta agglomeration (Jabodetabek).

Source: Authors, 2023

Figure 6. Spatial pattern of key performance indicators.

Source: Nadi and Murad (2019)

Figure 7. Land subsidence rates in Asian cities.

Source: Takagi et al. (2021)

Figure 8. Spatial distribution of PM_2.5 concentration in Jakarta in 2020.

Source: Solihah et al. (2021)

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Data availability statement

Some or all data, models, or code generated or used during the study are available in a repository or online in accordance with funder data retention policies.

Herein lies a pivotal source of data that has been utilized within this research;

1. https://jakarta.bps.go.id/publication/2022/02/25/5979600247867d861a1f334c/provinsi-dki-jakarta-dalam-angka-2022.html

2. https://www.ikn.go.id/

3. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11071879

4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2021.105753

5. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755–1315/940/1/012018