by: Wahyu Gunawan )*
The construction of sea walls along the north coast of Java has begun to be carried out gradually as part of efforts to protect coastal areas from the threat of abrasion. This area has been damaged for years by sea waves that continue to erode the land. This condition causes losses for residents, damages infrastructure, and threatens food security because rice fields and ponds are also affected. Therefore, the construction of sea walls was chosen as a strategic solution carried out by the government.
This step does not only involve physical development alone, but also long-term planning that prioritizes environmental sustainability. This program has been included in the national development priority agenda because its impact is felt directly by the community. With sea walls, sea water is no longer easy to enter residential areas and productive land, so that the damage that previously occurred can be significantly reduced.
The Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo, said that it brings a breath of fresh air to the people of the north coast of Java. President Prabowo Subianto’s plan to form a Special Authority Body that will handle the problem of tidal flooding and abrasion comprehensively, should be seen as a progressive step and is much needed at this time. So far, handling of tidal flooding and abrasion on the north coast of Java has often been done partially and sectorally, so that the impact has not been maximized.
The formation of a special body will be the answer to the need for cross-sector coordination which has often been an obstacle. When ministries, regional governments, and technical institutions act alone, long-term solutions are difficult to realize. Through an authority body, handling can be carried out in a more focused, integrated, and data-based manner. Critical areas can be mapped, resources can be focused, and embankment construction can be accelerated and adjusted to local needs.
So far, abrasion has been an annual problem in several districts on the north coast such as Demak, Pekalongan, and Subang. Many residents’ houses have been forced to be moved because the land has turned into sea. The government through the Ministry of Public Works has allocated a special budget to build sea walls with strong and durable construction. By using appropriate materials and designs that have been tested, construction is carried out in a structured and even manner at critical points.
In addition to preventing abrasion, sea walls also provide additional benefits in reducing the potential for tidal flooding that often occurs due to rising sea levels. Areas that were previously inundated during high tide are now protected, so that people’s economic activities can run more smoothly. Farmers and fishermen no longer have to suffer major losses due to sea water damaging their crops or equipment.
The Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), regarding the giant sea wall (GSW) project which is still in the study stage, showed a cautious attitude that deserves appreciation. Amid the urgency of handling tidal flooding and abrasion in coastal areas, especially the north coast of Java, an in-depth study-based approach is an important foundation to ensure that large projects such as GSW are not only effective, but also socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable.
GSW is not a small project. This is a mega project that will have a major impact on spatial planning, coastal ecosystems, and the millions of people living in the area. So it is natural that the government, through coordination with related ministries, does not want to rush into making a final decision. With the challenges of climate change, rising sea levels, and increasingly complex coastal environmental damage, a scientific and comprehensive approach must be prioritized.
The development process is carried out by considering social and environmental needs. The affected communities are given socialization and involved in the early stages so that the process is more transparent. In addition, maintenance of the embankment will be carried out periodically so that its function remains optimal in the long term. The government also continues to monitor and evaluate the results of development so that they can be adjusted to the latest conditions in the field.
The Deputy Governor of Central Java, Taj Yasin, welcomed the central government’s plan to extend the construction of the GSW from 10 km to 20 km as a strong signal that the synergy between the center and the regions is starting to head towards the right track in handling the coastal crisis. By targeting vulnerable areas such as Demak to Jepara, this expansion should be seen as a strategic step to protect the lives and livelihoods of the coastal communities of north Java.
Abrasion and rob have become permanent threats in the region. Every year, sea waves not only erode the g