Indonesia to move its capital to Borneo island

(Jakarta) – Indonesia will move its capital to the eastern edge of jungle-clad Borneo island, President Joko Widodo said, as the country shifts its political heart away from congested and sinking megalopolis Jakarta.

The proposed location — near the regional cities of Balikpapan and Samarinda — is an area at “minimal” risk of natural disasters, where the government already owns some 180,000 hectares (445,000 acres) of land, he added.

“The location is very strategic — it´s in the centre of Indonesia and close to urban areas,” Widodo said in a televised speech.

“The burden Jakarta is holding right now is too heavy as the centre of governance, busine