Indonesia is ready to build a new capital but locals fear for their livelihoods

Away from Jakarta, the risks of disasters such as flooding, earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions are minimal in the future capital, the government claims. Photo: Soeren Stache/dpa

Officials say Indonesia’s new national capital, to be built on Borneo island far from often-flooded and traffic-choked Jakarta, will lead to greater equality.

But residents in the area where the future city will be built fear they will have to give up their traditional farmlands and lose their livelihoods.