KUCHING: The move to shift Indonesia’s capital from Jakarta to Kalimantan in Borneo is deemed as visionary and forward looking.
The compliment came from Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah in response to the recent announcement by Indonesian president Joko Widodo (known as Jokowi).
“Jakarta is just too congested as an administrative and business capital of Indonesia.
“Furthermore, Jakarta is low-lying and nearby to the earthquake belt — Ring of Fire,” he told New Sarawak Tribune yesterday.
Karim further added, “Kalimantan and the probable new capital is a small township which could be properly planned.
“The movement of the nation’s capital will definitely be vibrant for the nation’s economy as it will spur several industries such as construction, housing, electronic etc.”
Conveying his respect to the man, Karim believed that Jokowi has the foresight to make it happen.
He further stated, “The new capital will grow and together with it is a big movement of the people, thus decongesting old Jakarta.
“Kalimantan and neighbouring states and nation within Borneo will also get the fallout of the development of the new capital.
“This applies to Sarawak, Sabah and Brunei for being on the same island (Borneo).”
On Aug 8, Jokowi has taken to Twitter to make the big announcement of the capital change.
According to Jokowi’s tweet, the new capital is a toss-up between Central Kalimantan, East Kalimantan and South Kalimantan.
