Indonesia’s ambitious plan to relocate its capital to Nusantara, a new city on the island of Borneo, has sparked widespread interest. While the project aims to address the overpopulation and environmental issues plaguing Jakarta, it also presents significant environmental challenges. The construction of Nusantara has led to the large-scale destruction of Borneo’s vital mangrove ecosystems, particularly around Balikpapan Bay. These mangroves play a crucial role in protecting coastlines and are home to a diverse array of species, including the critically endangered proboscis monkey.
The Critical Role of Mangroves in Indonesia
Mangrove forests are essential to Indonesia’s ecological health, covering more than 3.5 million hectares across the archipelago—the largest such area in the world. These coastal forests are invaluable for their ability to store carbon, protect shorelines from erosion, and support a diverse range of wildlife. With the intensifying impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels and more frequent storms, the natural defense provided by mangroves is more important than ever.
These forests are also biodiversity hotspots, supporting a complex web of life. Species such as the Irrawaddy dolphin, saltwater crocodile, and numerous bird and fish species rely on mangroves for their survival. The rich organic matter in mangrove soils supports these species, making these ecosystems some of the most productive on the planet.
Nusantara’s Construction: A Looming Ecological Disaster
The development of Nusantara is having a devastating impact on the mangrove forests surrounding Balikpapan Bay. Tri Atmoko, a primatologist with Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), has observed these changes firsthand. For years, Tri has studied the proboscis monkeys in the mangrove forests, documenting their habits and habitat use. However, recent visits have revealed a stark transformation.
Tri recalls that when he last conducted research in 2022, the mangroves were largely undisturbed. But during a return visit in June 2024, he was shocked to see the extent of the destruction. “The areas that were once dense with mangroves have now been cleared for the construction of logistics ports,” Tri says. These ports are necessary for transporting building materials such as sand and rock to the inland areas where Nusantara is being constructed. What was once an uninterrupted stretch of mangrove forest is now fragmented, with large sections cleared to accommodate the development.
The scale of the destruction is vast. The Nusantara project is encroaching on approximately 3,000 hectares of mangrove forest, part of a larger 16,000-hectare mangrove belt between Balikpapan Bay and the mouth of the Mahakam River. The clearing of these forests not only disrupts the local ecosystem but also eliminates critical carbon sinks, contributing to the global climate crisis.
The Impact on Endangered Species
The destruction of these mangrove forests poses a severe threat to the region’s wildlife. The proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus), a species unique to Borneo, is particularly at risk. Recognizable by its large, pendulous nose, the proboscis monkey is listed as endangered by the IUCN Red List. Its population has been declining due to habitat loss, hunting, and now, the rapid urbanization driven by the development of Nusantara.
Tri’s research has shown that the proboscis monkey population in the Balikpapan Bay area is approximately 3,900 individuals. However, habitat loss and fragmentation are placing these monkeys under increasing stress, affecting their feeding and breeding behaviors. The noise and disturbance from construction activities and increased water traffic are also disrupting the natural rhythms of these primates.
Other species are also at risk due to the ongoing construction. The Irrawaddy dolphin, a rare species found in the waters of Balikpapan Bay, is facing threats from the increased maritime traffic. Additionally, the area’s dugongs and saltwater crocodiles are experiencing similar pressures. The continued destruction of these habitats could lead to further declines in populations of these already vulnerable species.
Local Communities Face the Loss of Livelihoods
The environmental impact extends beyond wildlife to the human communities that depend on the mangroves for their livelihoods. In the coastal regions surrounding Balikpapan Bay, many local communities rely on the mangrove forests for resources such as timber, honey, and traditional medicines. The mangroves also provide essential breeding grounds for fish, which are a critical source of food and income for local fishers.
As the mangrove forests are destroyed, so too are the resources that sustain these communities. The loss of fish breeding grounds threatens the livelihoods of fishers, while the destruction of mangroves increases the vulnerability of coastal villages to natural disasters, such as storm surges and flooding, which the mangroves once helped mitigate.
Government Response and Biodiversity Management Efforts
Amid growing criticism, the Indonesian government has begun addressing the environmental concerns associated with Nusantara’s development. Myrna Asnawati Safitri, the deputy for environment and natural resources at the Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN), has acknowledged the findings of Tri and other environmental groups regarding the detrimental effects on mangroves. Safitri notes that the OIKN has issued warnings to companies involved in illegal deforestation and has mandated the replanting of mangroves in affected areas. Additionally, legal action has been taken against one company for unauthorized clearing activities.
In March 2024, the OIKN introduced a biodiversity management master plan aimed at safeguarding wildlife habitats in the Nusantara region. The plan, which extends through 2029, outlines strategies for restoring damaged ecosystems and ensuring that 65% of the new capital’s area remains covered in tropical rainforest. It also designates protected zones where no development will be allowed, focusing on the rehabilitation of degraded lands and forests.
However, Tri remains skeptical about the effectiveness of these measures. He argues that the master plan was implemented too late, after much of the damage had already been done. “These studies should have been carried out before the development began,” Tri insists. “Now that large areas have been cleared, effective restoration will be far more challenging.”
The Global Response to Nusantara’s Environmental Impact
The environmental consequences of Nusantara’s construction have not gone unnoticed internationally. Environmental organizations and activists around the world have voiced concerns about the large-scale deforestation and its impact on global biodiversity. The destruction of Indonesia’s mangrove forests, which are some of the most carbon-rich ecosystems on Earth, is particularly alarming in the context of climate change.
Several international NGOs have called on the Indonesian government to halt further deforestation and to strengthen its environmental regulations. They argue that the development of Nusantara should be pursued in a manner that preserves Indonesia’s natural heritage. These organizations have also urged foreign investors to consider the environmental impact of their participation in the project, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development practices.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has also highlighted the critical role of mangroves in global efforts to combat climate change and protect biodiversity. UNEP has called for increased international cooperation in supporting conservation efforts in Indonesia, including financial assistance for reforestation and habitat restoration initiatives.
Finding a Sustainable Path Forward
As the development of Nusantara continues, it is crucial to find a balance between progress and environmental preservation. One approach is to adopt sustainable development practices that prioritize the protection of critical habitats. This could involve establishing buffer zones around sensitive areas, enforcing strict environmental regulations, and utilizing green construction technologies that minimize ecological disruption.
Community involvement is also essential. By engaging local communities in conservation efforts and providing them with alternative livelihood options, the government can help ensure that these efforts are both effective and sustainable. Education and resources can empower these communities to protect their natural environment while maintaining their economic well-being.
International collaboration will be vital in addressing the environmental challenges posed by Nusantara’s development. By partnering with global organizations, Indonesia can gain access to the expertise, technology, and funding necessary to implement effective conservation strategies. Initiatives like the REDD+ program, which offers financial incentives for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, could play a key role in this effort.
Conclusion: The Need for Responsible Development
Nusantara represents a significant step forward in Indonesia’s development, but it also poses serious risks to the country’s natural resources. The destruction of mangrove forests and the threat to endangered species like the proboscis monkey are stark reminders of the environmental cost of such large-scale projects. As Indonesia progresses with this development, it is imperative that the government, developers, and the international community work together to ensure that economic growth does not come at the expense of the environment.
By implementing comprehensive biodiversity plans, enforcing robust environmental regulations, and fostering community and international cooperation, Indonesia can achieve a balance between development and conservation. The choices made today will determine the future of Nusantara and the preservation of Indonesia’s rich ecological heritage.
