NPR

Indonesia Plans To Move Its Capital Out Of Jakarta, A City That's Sinking

It's not clear when this will happen, or where the new capital will be located. The idea has been out there for decades, though previous leaders have been unable to accomplish the ambitious plan.

Indonesia has announced plans to build a new capital city, as its current capital, Jakarta, struggles with pollution, traffic gridlock — and the fact that the city is sinking.

After a cabinet meeting on Monday, planning minister Bambang Brodjonegoro said President Joko Widodo has decided to move the capital out of Indonesia's main island, Java.

It's not clear exactly when

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR6 min readInternational Relations
What To Know About A Possible Israeli Military Offensive In Rafah
In Gaza's southernmost city, where more than a million Palestinians have sought shelter and where aid groups have centralized operations, worries have grown over a possible Israeli military operation.
NPR10 min read
Happy Arbor Day! These 20 Books Will Change The Way You Think About Trees
Trees communicate. They migrate. They protect. They heal. We climbed into the NPR archives to find some of our favorite arboreal fiction, nonfiction, and kids' lit — get ready to branch out.
NPR2 min readAmerican Government
Amazon Warehouse Workers In Alabama Might Get A Third Try At Unionizing
Federal officials threw out the first vote, ruling that Amazon improperly interfered. The results of the second vote remain inconclusive. The federal government now determines what happens next.

Related Books & Audiobooks