Daniel A. Fajri, Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto stated that the impact of global climate change has led the government to decide to move the capital city from Jakarta to East Kalimantan. Prabowo highlighted the rising sea levels that have started to inundate some coastal areas in Indonesia.
"Indonesia is directly affected by climate change. Our coastal areas are now submerged by rising sea levels. We are forced to move our capital," said Prabowo in the third session of the G20 Summit, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on November 19, 2024, as quoted from a video by the Presidential Secretariat.
Prabowo cited that in North Java coast, sea levels rise five centimeters per year. He mentioned that Indonesia has also lost hundreds of thousands of hectares of productive land and usable land. Due to these circumstances, according to the former Minister of Defense, many farmers and fishermen are now living in difficult conditions. "This will worsen poverty and hunger," he said.
The third session of the G20 Summit themed "Sustainable Development and Energy Transition". Retired TNI General Prabowo emphasized the importance of global collaboration to address challenges of poverty, hunger, and climate change, as well as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and green energy transition.
"We are committed to achieving renewable and green energy," said Prabowo.
The former Commander of the Army's Strategic Reserve Command mentioned that Indonesia has a big vision to achieve net zero emissions before 2050 through various efforts, such as increasing the use of biodiesel and converting Coal-Fired Power Plants (PLTU) to new renewable energy sources.
In the same speech, Prabowo announced that Indonesia will contribute US$30 million or around Rp 477 billion (at an exchange rate of Rp 15,900) to the World Health Organization (WHO). Indonesia supports the work of one of the United Nations agencies, said the former son-in-law of the 2nd President Soeharto. Prabowo invited G20 countries to continue making positive impacts on the world.
The controversy of IKN and Prabowo's commitment to continue it
Nusantara, also known as the Capital City of Nusantara (IKN), was executed during the second term of the 7th President Joko Widodo's administration. Observers previously viewed IKN as a mega project that could burden the state budget. Environmental activists have also expressed concerns about the impacts of development and the potential displacement of land.
One criticism raised comes from Forest Watch Indonesia (FWI). FWI Campaign and Intervention Manager Anggi Putra Prayoga stated that the displacement of indigenous peoples occurred in the Core Area of the National Capital Region or IKN. "IKN displaces indigenous and local communities," Anggi told Tempo on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.
Anggi gave an example from Bukit Harapan Village, now the center of the IKN government, where residents can no longer stay there. They can't even build houses. "Their fields and rice fields are damaged. Yet, these are the sources of livelihood for the community," he said.
Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono stated that President Prabowo Subianto directed the focus of development on the completion of the government center or political center. This target should be achieved within four years.
According to AHY, the Prabowo government will complete infrastructure development for the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. This development target is not just about building offices, but includes supporting housing facilities for civil servants (ASN).
"The target is that in the next four to five years, it can truly function as a new government center," said AHY at the Ministry of Public Works on Friday, November 8, 2024. "This is what President Prabowo hopes for."
The status of the state capital is still in Jakarta before President Prabowo signs the Capital City relocation regulation through a Presidential Decree or Keppres.