In Indonesia, President Joko Widodo has sent a bill to parliament which, if passed, would see the capital city move from the densely-populated island of Java to a more spacious environment on the massive island of Borneo. It's thought that poor air quality, rising sea levels and congestion have made the current capital unsuitable for the future needs of the country. CGTN's Silkina Ahluwalia has more from Jakarta.

Indonesia is finally moving its capital. The government is conducting a feasibility study, which is expected to be completed in 2020. More than half of the country's economic activity is now centred in Jakarta putting pressure on the city.

SILKINA AHLUWALIA JAKARTA "Jakarta has simply become too crowded to accommodate Indonesia's rising population. Moving the capital would relieve some of the burden from the city that's also been dealing with poor air quality and massive congestion."

Jakarta is also sinking largely due to land subsidence. In some areas, it's collapsing at least 10 centimetres per year. The new proposed capital is in East Kalimantan, an ideal location that's considered safe from major natural disasters. 

YAYAT SUPRIATNA CITY PLANNING EXPERT "Kalimantan has a lot of geopolitic and geostrategic potential. It can provide mitigation access as well. These could open up opportunities for developers to create good utility systems such as public roads and transportation that are sponsored by the state. East Kalimantan's position also enables cross supplies of commodities between islands across Indonesia."

The government promises the new capital will be smarter, cleaner, and greener. Jakarta's residents, however, have mixed reactions regarding the move.

"I agree with moving the capital city but I'm just concerned about the environmental impact that could happen in Kalimantan."

"I agree with moving the capital because it will reduce congestion in the city. People will start to look for jobs in Kalimantan as well so it will help to even out the population."

If the government's relocation bill is approved by the parliament, construction could begin in 2021. The move is expected to cost a little over 30 billion US dollars. Silkina Ahluwalia, CGTN, Jakarta.