New Capital, New Threats? Climate Justice Perspectives on Indonesia’s Capital Relocation

Abstract

This paper critically examines the climate justice implications of Indonesia’s decision to relocate its capital from Jakarta to East Kalimantan, exploring the potential risks and benefits through the lens of climate vulnerability and environmental justice. Jakarta has long been grappling with climate-related challenges such as flooding, land subsidence, and rising sea levels, prompting the government to propose a new capital that would be more resilient to climate impacts. However, this relocation raises significant concerns about the environmental and social consequences for the new region, particularly with regard to land use, biodiversity loss, and the displacement of local communities. Using a climate justice framework, this study assesses the equitable distribution of both the benefits and burdens of the capital relocation, questioning whether the needs of vulnerable populations—such as indigenous peoples and rural communities—are adequately addressed. Through policy analysis, interviews with stakeholders, and an exploration of local environmental challenges, the paper explores how the relocation plan may inadvertently exacerbate socio-environmental inequalities. Findings suggest that while the new capital may alleviate some climate pressures in Jakarta, it also presents new threats to the indigenous communities and ecosystems in East Kalimantan, raising concerns about the sustainability and fairness of the relocation. The paper calls for a more inclusive and climate-resilient approach to urban planning that considers long-term environmental impacts and prioritizes the rights of marginalized communities in both Jakarta and East Kalimantan.