SINGAPORE, April 29. /TASS/. Indonesian President Joko Widodo has announced plans to move the country’s capital away from the city of Jakarta located on the island of Java, the Kompas newspaper reported.

"Jakarta is hardly able to successfully accomplish two tasks, being the country’s political and financial center," the president said. In this regard, he pointed to similar steps taken by other countries. "I think we will achieve this goal, though it requires careful planning," Widodo said, emphasizing the need to choose the right place for the capital, build necessary infrastructure facilities and handle other related matters.

According to Kompas, the Indonesian government is considering three options for a new capital: the city of Palangkaraya in Central Kalimantan province, the Tanah Bumbu Regency in South Kalimantan and the town of Penajam in East Kalimantan province.

Indonesian Minister of National Development Planning Bambang Brodjonegoro said the relocation process might take up to ten years.

Congested capital

Indonesia’s current capital, Jakarta, has been facing serious infrastructure issues. According to a research conducted by the Uber company, drivers spend about 22 days in traffic jams annually, which is the highest figure for Asian countries. Besides, the Inrix company said in a report that Jakarta ranks 12th among the world’s most polluted cities.

Widido served as Jakarta governor in 2012-2014 before being elected president.

On April 17, a general election took place in Indonesia. Widodo is in the lead with about 50% of the vote counted. Experts say a final decision on the capital’s relocation will be made following his second-term inauguration, scheduled to take place in October.