Jakarta – The government has reaffirmed that the construction of the Giant Sea Wall along the northern coast of Java is a strategic national project and a top priority under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership.
The project aims to address critical issues such as tidal flooding, coastal erosion, and land subsidence that threaten millions of residents living along the island’s northern shoreline.
Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo emphasized that Jakarta and Greater Semarang, including Demak Regency, are key focus areas for accelerated development.
“The President has instructed his ministers to prioritize the Giant Sea Wall from Banten to Gresik. Jakarta and Semarang are the top priorities, and if Semarang is prioritized, then naturally Pekalongan, Demak, and Jepara will follow,” said Dody.
To support this initiative, President Prabowo plans to establish the Sea Wall Authority, a special body tasked with managing, supervising, and expediting the integrated construction of the sea wall. This plan was confirmed by State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi.
According to Prasetyo Hadi, establishing this authority is a concrete step toward realizing a long-standing idea that has been academically studied in various forums. With this dedicated body, sea wall construction can be carried out in an integrated, efficient, and sustainable manner.
“We are currently preparing for its establishment. But what’s important to understand is that this idea has been around for quite some time — on how to address the problems we face on the northern coast of Java, especially in Jakarta,” explained Prasetyo.
Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), stated that the government is currently drafting a comprehensive blueprint for the Giant Sea Wall stretching from Banten to East Java. This is a long-term and urgent project, directly linked to public safety and the future sustainability of coastal regions.
“This isn’t a one- or two-year effort. It could take 10 to 20 years if we are truly serious about protecting northern Java. Proper planning is essential so the project runs efficiently and avoids future complications,” said AHY.
He further explained that the sea wall construction will use a tailored approach based on the geographical characteristics of each region. In areas where it’s still feasible, natural solutions such as mangrove planting will be applied.
“In severely affected zones, robust and elevated concrete structures are needed to withstand sea intrusion. We hope this will not only save the northern coast from climate-related disasters but also lay the groundwork for future economic growth in the region,” AHY concluded.
With cross-ministerial synergy and strong commitment from President Prabowo Subianto, the Giant Sea Wall project is expected to become a landmark in Indonesia’s infrastructure development. Beyond addressing tidal flooding and coastal erosion, the initiative is also projected to foster the development of more resilient and sustainable coastal communities.
