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Muddy yet clear-cut: How Chinese investors are turning jungle into Indonesia’s new capital

by Rachel Morgan News Editor
written by Rachel Morgan News Editor

Indonesia is in the process of shifting its seat of government from the gridlocked and sinking metropolis of Jakarta to a brand latest city carved out of the Borneo jungle. Known as Ibu Kota Nusantara, or IKN, the project aims to establish a new administrative center for an archipelago of 287 million people.

A Strategic Shift from Jakarta

The decision to move the capital is driven by severe environmental and urban pressures facing Jakarta. The current capital is plagued by heavy pollution, extreme traffic congestion, and the critical issue of land sinking, which has left much of the city vulnerable to the sea.

The new site in Borneo is currently a landscape of dense jungle, where construction crews must navigate challenges such as bridge washouts and the protection of endangered species, including sun bears. The transition is intended to alleviate the burden on Jakarta while distributing political power across the region.

Did You Know? The new capital is being built in the jungles of Borneo, where roadside warnings are currently in place to prevent the poaching of endangered sun bears.

The Influence of Chinese Investment

As Indonesia navigates a year of budget cuts, Chinese investors have grow a primary pillar for the construction of Nusantara. According to government figures, Chinese firms spent US$29 million in 2025 on development and have committed an additional US$3.08 billion.

The Influence of Chinese Investment
Chinese Indonesia Nusantara

Several major firms are leading specific infrastructure projects:

  • Delonix: The Shenzhen-based group was the first Chinese firm to join the project and is developing a mixed-use commercial site.
  • Huawei Technologies: Working with local partners to implement “smart city” infrastructure.
  • Citic Construction: Focused on the development of residential housing.

Beyond these projects, Chinese firms are involved in mass transit initiatives worth 28 trillion rupiah and road and tunnel construction valued at 27 trillion rupiah (approximately US$1.57 billion).

Expert Insight: The heavy reliance on Chinese capital and technical expertise suggests a strategic trade-off. By integrating foreign investment to offset domestic budget constraints, Indonesia may accelerate its infrastructure timeline, but it also deeply ties the future of its political heart to long-term relations with the Chinese market.

Looking Toward 2028

While the city is currently dominated by forest and construction sites, We see due to start taking over government functions from Jakarta in 2028. The success of this transition may depend on the continued flow of foreign investment and the ability to overcome logistical hurdles in the Borneo interior.

Future developments could include the full realization of the “smart city” vision and the completion of the mass transit networks. However, the pace of growth is likely to be dictated by the balance between available funding and the environmental constraints of the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Indonesia moving its capital from Jakarta?

The move is intended to save Jakarta from overpopulation, extreme pollution, and the fact that the city is sinking into the sea.

Charlie Munger: Chinese Investors Like to Gamble – That’s Stupid!

What role are Chinese companies playing in Nusantara?

Chinese investors are providing significant funding and expertise, including the development of smart city infrastructure by Huawei, housing by Citic Construction, and commercial projects by Delonix, as well as funding for roads and mass transit.

When is the new capital expected to start operations?

Ibu Kota Nusantara is due to start taking over from Jakarta in 2028.

Do you believe moving a capital city to a new location is the most effective way to solve urban decay and environmental sinking?

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Health

How screen use can create a vicious cycle for some children and teens | Daily Express Malaysia

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

The Screen Time Dilemma: How Excessive Use Impacts Children’s Mental Health

For years, parents and experts have debated the impact of screen time on children. A new meta-analysis adds a crucial layer to this complex issue, revealing a potentially devastating cycle: excessive screen use can worsen socioemotional problems in children, which in turn drives them back to screens for solace. Let’s delve into this troubling trend and explore what the future may hold.

The Vicious Cycle: Screens, Emotions, and Behavior

The study, published in the Psychological Bulletin, examined nearly 300,000 children globally. The key finding? Excessive screen time, especially with video games, is linked to increased risks of anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, and aggression. This is particularly noticeable in children aged six to ten, with boys potentially being more susceptible. This isn’t just a case of cause and effect; it’s a feedback loop. Children struggling with emotional and behavioral issues often turn to screens as a coping mechanism, exacerbating the underlying problems.

Did you know? The study found that the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands were the primary locations for the research data examined.

Video Games: A Double-Edged Sword

While some educational games exist and can offer some benefits, the research highlighted the risks associated with video games, in particular. The engaging nature of video games, with their challenges and feedback, can make them especially alluring for children facing emotional difficulties. But, it can also create an unhealthy dependence. As a study senior author Michael Noetel explained, “Games are particularly tempting for children having problems and especially hard to get children away from.”

Beyond Screen Time: Understanding the Root Causes

It’s important to understand that screen time isn’t the sole culprit. The study acknowledges that other factors, such as exposure to alcohol and drugs, can also contribute to emotional and behavioral disorders. This highlights the importance of a holistic approach to child well-being.

Pro Tip: Focus on understanding the individual child. Are there underlying issues driving screen use? Encourage open communication and seek professional help if needed.

The “3-6-9-12 Rule” and Other Strategies

France has been at the forefront of addressing this issue. Some health professionals advocate for no screen time at all for children under six, which is three years longer than the current recommendations. The “3-6-9-12 rule,” developed by French pediatrician Serge Tisseron, provides age-appropriate guidelines for screen exposure:

  • No screens before age 3
  • No personal consoles before age 6
  • No internet before age 9
  • No unsupervised internet before age 12

Other initiatives, like digital detox challenges, are also gaining traction, encouraging children and teens to unplug and engage in activities that promote relaxation and creativity. Read more about the benefits of digital detox.

Future Trends: What to Expect

The future of screen time and children’s mental health is likely to involve a multi-faceted approach. Expect to see:

  • Increased awareness: More parents and educators will become educated about the negative impacts of excessive screen time.
  • Tech regulation: Stricter regulations and content ratings may emerge, especially for video games.
  • Personalized solutions: Tailored recommendations based on a child’s individual needs and challenges will grow in importance.
  • Focus on alternatives: Encouragement of outdoor activities, creative pursuits, and social interactions will take center stage.

The conversation surrounding screen time and children’s health is evolving. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, parents and caregivers can help safeguard children’s emotional and behavioral well-being in the digital age.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main risks of excessive screen time for children?

Excessive screen time can worsen socioemotional problems, including anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, and aggression.

Are all types of screen time equally harmful?

Video games are particularly associated with higher risks of behavioral disorders compared to other types of screen content.

What is the “3-6-9-12 rule”?

It is a set of recommendations for limiting children’s screen time: no screens before age 3, no personal consoles before age 6, no internet before age 9, and no unsupervised internet before age 12.

What can parents do to help?

Limit screen time, encourage alternative activities, and address any underlying emotional or behavioral issues. Consider consulting with a pediatrician or child psychologist.

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Business

Unknown Orangutan Population Discovered in Borneo

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

The Future of Orangutan Conservation Efforts

Orangutans, with their striking intelligence and 96.4% DNA similarity to humans, face numerous threats yet hold an important place in conservation discussions. As the IUCN lists these creatures as critically endangered, various efforts are underway to secure their future, grounded in recent discoveries and innovations in conservation strategies.

Conservation Milestones and New Discoveries

The recent identification of a hidden orangutan population in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, marks a significant milestone for conservationists. This discovery of approximately 200 orangutans, belonging to the critically endangered Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus subspecies, has catalyzed a renewed focus on habitat protection and research.

National Geographic notes similar efforts in regions like the Batang Ai National Park, emphasizing the potential benefits these finds bring to broader ecological preservation.

Innovative Strategies in Orangutan Conservation

Conservationists are increasingly leveraging technology to safeguard orangutans. Drones and satellite imagery are now routine tools in monitoring forest cover and identifying illegal activities like logging or poaching. A recent World Wildlife Fund report details innovations such as acoustic monitoring systems that can locate and protect orangutans by recording and analyzing their vocalizations.

Efforts to replant native flora and restore natural habitats are bolstering the ecosystems orangutans rely on. The replanting initiatives promote biodiversity, improving the resilience of forests to fires and climate change impacts.

Community Involvement and Education

Local communities play a pivotal role in the success of conservation efforts. Education and involvement in eco-tourism are proving powerful motivators for local populations to engage in habitat protection initiatives. Encouraging sustainable agricultural practices further reduces human-wildlife conflicts.

For example, in Sumatra, the UTexas ORCA project combines habitat conservation with community development, teaching locals sustainable farming techniques to coexist with orangutans peacefully.

FAQs About Orangutan Conservation

What makes orangutans’ conservation so urgent?

With over 80% habitat loss and numbers halved in the past 60 years, the survival of orangutans is precarious. Their low reproductive rate exacerbates the urgency, making every effort to protect and increase populations critical.

How can individuals support orangutan conservation?

Support can come through donations to reputable organizations such as the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme or by buying sustainable products verified to not support deforestation practices.

What challenges do conservationists face?

Challenges include combating illegal logging, addressing climate change impacts, enforcing anti-poaching laws, and securing sufficient funding. Each requires multifaceted approaches and international cooperation.

Did You Know? Orangutans as Conservation Ambassadors

Orangutans’ charismatic and relatable personalities have made them effective ambassadors for forest conservation. Their plight represents broader environmental issues, making them focal points in campaigns to preserve biodiversity and combat climate change.

Pro Tips for Biodiversity Enthusiasts

Engage with local and global conservation campaigns, support eco-friendly brands, and educate others about the value of biodiversity. Every action contributes to a cumulative positive impact on global conservation.

Looking Forward: Opportunities and Challenges

The discovery in Malaysia is a beacon of hope, illustrating how commitment and innovation can yield positive results. Continued commitment from governments, NGOs, and the private sector will be essential to maintain momentum and adapt to newly emerging challenges.

Conservationists advocate for continued global attention to these majestic creatures, emphasizing that protecting orangutans is a critical component of preserving our planet’s ecological balance.

Call to Action: Join the conversation on orangutan conservation and help spread awareness by sharing this article. Explore more about wildlife conservation efforts here and consider subscribing to our newsletter for the latest updates and stories from the field.

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