TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Head of the Geological Agency of the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, Eko Budi Lelono, said his side had conducted a geological study at the location of the new capital city, Nusantara, to assess potential natural resources and disasters there. The results have been submitted to the National Development Planning Agency.

In terms of potential for disasters, Eko explained the agency analyzed the land movement and stability. He said the land in Kalimantan Province was relatively stable as shown in the seismic recordings.

“But we noted that there are faults. It needs to be observed again whether the faults have the potential to interfere yet they are not too significant,” said Eko at a press conference on Friday, January 21.

The agency, he added, also launched a survey of natural resources potential since Kalimantan is known as a producer of energy, both from coal and oil and gas. “We also mapped the coal distribution. This is vital because if it is exposed it may burn easily,” said Eko.

He said the distribution of coal sources had also been mapped to see where the exposed and flammable coals are, and which locations are really safe. “We have conveyed this recommendation for considerations of future urban planning,” said Eko.

Eko claimed that surveys had been carried out in detail but some need to be reviewed further due to the short time. “So there are things that we prioritize to conduct an analysis and study quickly,” he said of the new capital city.

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CAESAR AKBAR