Climate change, intensified by human activities, is redefining lifestyles and territorial dynamics, presenting critical human rights challenges globally. In recent years, devastating floods in Jakarta and beyond illustrate the increasing vulnerability of Indonesia to these disruptions. Cities affected by climate change are entering an “era of scarcity,” highlighting the urgent need to rethink urban areas to ensure adequate living conditions for their residents. Adapting our territories to these changes has become a crucial socio-ecological imperative.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), over 60% of the world’s population lives within 60 km of coastlines, and over one billion people will face threats from coastal erosion and rising sea levels by 2050. The IPCC projects an average sea-level rise of 15 mm per year by 2100 under the RCP8.5 scenario, with a range of 10 to 20 mm per year, exacerbating risks for coastal zones, natural resources, and human infrastructure. Simultaneously, the projected global temperature rise for this century is 2.9°C above pre-industrial levels. These phenomena increase the vulnerability of coastal areas, threatening many regions with disappearance or uninhabitability.
Historically, climate adaptation strategies have focused on public protection through fixed infrastructure. For instance, the Great Garuda project, designed in the 2010s, aimed to create an artificial island in Jakarta Bay to manage water overflow and reduce flood risks. However, this project was canceled due to socio-environmental issues affecting local populations and fishermen. In response to these challenges, innovative concepts such as the “sponge city,” which integrates swamp-inspired infrastructure to manage flooding and enhance biodiversity, as well as “recreational labs,” which activate collective projects to strengthen territorial resilience, have emerged around the world. However, their construction is constrained by geological and demographic variations, despite their benefits for mitigating urban climate effects and preserving water resources.
The planned relocation of Indonesia’s capital serves as a notable example of a broader trend in adapting to global socio-environmental challenges. In January 2022, the Indonesian parliament approved the transfer of the administrative and political capital to East Kalimantan, between the districts of North Penajam Paser and Kutai Kartanegara. The $32 billion Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN) project is a proactive response to environmental challenges and the progressive deterioration of Jakarta, offering opportunities for sustainable and innovative urban development. The project proposes building a green, low-energy city in a safer, less populated area, providing a model for future sustainable cities. This anticipatory project aims to preserve institutions and avoid the trauma of sudden population evacuation. It aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is the first relocation officially motivated by climate concerns. It represents a unique opportunity to implement these principles and develop innovative governance systems that respect human rights for a sustainable future, guided by the principle of “leaving no one behind.”
The implementation of these projects raises concerns about social acceptability and poses critical questions regarding social justice. What are their socio-environmental impacts and effects on human rights? The adoption of relocation as an adaptation strategy highlights the urgency of examining the consequences for both abandoned and newly invested territories to better understand their societal effects. These initiatives challenge the notion of sustainability, a key issue for cities such as Jakarta.
Relocation projects must go beyond managing environmental risks; they require a thorough reform of administrative and political systems, with active participation from local communities and international stakeholders. Thoughtful adaptation, incorporating land-use policies and adaptive governance, is essential to ensuring sustainable and equitable urban development.
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