Would Jakarta Become a Country Overnight?
Imagine a scenario where Jakarta, the bustling city with a population of over 10 million people, becomes its own country. Overnight, a reality that challenges the political and economic fabric of Indonesia and the region would emerge. The consequences would be monumental, particularly for the daily lives of the city's inhabitants.
A Housing and Infrastructure Crisis
Transportation and housing systems would face unprecedented challenges. Currently, over 13 million daily commuters travel from surrounding cities like Depok, Tangerang, Bekasi, and Bogor to work in Jakarta. This staggering number of daily commuters has significant implications for the city's immigration and transportation systems.
Migration and Commuting Patterns
In 2014, the volume of daily commuters was so high that it would require over 13 million permanent visas for people to enter Jakarta every day. This scenario would lead to severe overcrowding in immigration areas and would pose significant logistical challenges. Imagine the chaos at the immigration gates every morning and evening as people try to enter and exit the city.
Political and Economic Implications
The decision to make Jakarta a separate country would have profound political and economic ramifications. Indonesia currently faces significant challenges in terms of centralized control and managing its vast and diverse nations.
National Security and Environmental Concerns
Indonesia, as a developing nation, needs a strong central government. Jakarta's unique position as the nation's capital underscores the importance of centralized control. This was evident during the massive fires in Sumatra in 2015, caused by illegal land clearing for palm oil plantations. These fires resulted in a haze affecting millions of people and causing serious health issues.
Central Control and Environmental Policies
The 2015 fires in Sumatra highlighted the need for a stronger, more centralized government. Core environmental policies and disaster management need to be stricter to prevent such large-scale, preventable disasters. Central control can ensure better coordination and implementation of these policies.
Conclusion
The hypothetical scenario of Jakarta becoming a country overnight presents a series of complex challenges that could significantly impact both the city and the nation. The political and economic implications, especially concerning environmental disasters and migration patterns, underscore the importance of a strong, centralized government to manage these issues effectively.