Because the Indonesian capital Jakarta is sinking by up to 25 centimeters year after year, the country is building a new metropolis on the island of Borneo. The construction of the city, which will be called Nusantara, is already in full swing. As early as 2024, the first authorities must move to the province of East Kalimantan on Borneo. Environmentalists fear the worst for the animal and plant world, an indigenous people feel threatened.
According to the planners, Nusantara (which means something like archipelago, note) should become the greenest and most sustainable city in the world. Apart from a square with a blue cube with an inscription (photo below), which symbolizes the start of the construction of the city, there is not much to see.
Environmentalists see danger to wildlife
Nusantara arises halfway between the cities of Balikpapan and Samarinda. The gigantic project on the species-rich island of Borneo, the financing of which is not yet complete, will cost around 30 billion dollars (almost 28 billion euros). Environmentalists warn that construction of the future capital could accelerate deforestation and harm wildlife.
“We are focused on the biggest challenge for the future of orangutans. Their natural habitat is getting smaller by the day. This is the biggest challenge, as the growing human population and the construction of infrastructure have reduced the natural habitat of orangutans,” said Kissar Odom, Operations Manager of the Arsari Orangutan Sanctuary in Borneo (see video above).
Endangered orangutans are losing their habitat
Due to the resettlement, the Monkeys and other wild animals are losing habitat in forests, their room to move is limited and feeding trees are being lost, he fears. And even if the plan includes corridors and barriers, it’s hard to tell wild animals how to move, says Kissar Odom. the Orangutans, which live only in the jungles of Borneo and Sumatra, are already seriously threatened by the massive deforestation of the rainforests.
Others see the mangroves on Borneo under threat. “The mangroves on the coast act as a filter that maintains the sustainability of the marine biotope. If the mangroves are damaged, the natural habitats of the marine biotopes will also be destroyed. In the long run, this will have an impact on the economy, especially fisheries,” fears Manroven activist Agus Bei.
Indigenous people are afraid of being driven out
Indigenous peoples who have lived on the island of Borneo for generations also fear being displaced. “Our great-grandparents lived in this area before this country existed. So we hope that the government will pay attention to our future. We don’t want to become strangers in our own country,” said tribal leader Sibukdin of the approximately 10,000-strong Penan ethnic group.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
