 |
| Prabowo Pushes Forward Giant Sea Wall to Save Northern Java Coastline from Rising Seas and Climate Crisis. |
Indonesia’s President-elect Prabowo Subianto has made a bold commitment to kickstart one of the country’s most ambitious infrastructure projects: the Giant Sea Wall along the northern coast of Java. This mega-project is being prioritized to protect millions of coastal residents from tidal flooding (locally known as rob) and the increasing impacts of climate change.
Speaking at the 2025 International Infrastructure Conference held at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) on Thursday, June 12, 2025, Prabowo emphasized how vital this sea wall is for the future of Indonesia’s coastline and national resilience.
"Let me emphasize, one of the most strategic and vital infrastructure projects that we absolutely must implement is the Giant Sea Wall along the Northern Coast of Java," Prabowo said during his keynote address.
Why Is the Giant Sea Wall So Important?
The northern coast of Java—including major cities like Jakarta, Semarang, and Surabaya—is facing a serious threat. Tidal floods are getting worse, coastal areas are sinking due to excessive groundwater extraction, and sea levels are rising due to climate change.
If nothing is done, much of this critical region could be underwater in the next few decades. That's not just bad news for residents, but also for Indonesia’s economy, since these regions host industries, ports, airports, and infrastructure that the entire nation depends on.
The Giant Sea Wall is a massive protective structure designed to combat all of that. The project aims to build a 500-kilometer-long sea barrier stretching from Banten in the west all the way to Gresik in East Java.
This Isn’t a New Idea – It’s Been Planned Since 1995
Although it’s gaining serious momentum now, this project actually dates back to 1995. According to Prabowo, it’s finally time to turn this decades-old plan into a reality.
"We’re not going to wait any longer. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step—and we are taking that step now," he declared.
The first phase will focus on Jakarta Bay, where the threat is most severe. That alone is expected to take 8 to 10 years to complete. Expanding it all the way to East Java could take up to 20 years, according to the President.
Massive Budget, But the Government Is Confident
Obviously, a project this big comes with a hefty price tag. The total cost is estimated at $80 billion USD, or more than IDR 1,200 trillion.
For the Jakarta Bay portion alone, the budget is around $8–10 billion, and President Prabowo believes the government can manage it—especially if both national and local governments chip in.
“If it’s $8 billion over 8 years, that’s $1 billion per year. We can do it. I’ve spoken with the Jakarta Governor and already sent a representative. We agreed to share the cost: half from the central government, half from Jakarta,” he explained, lightheartedly adding, “Our Finance Minister looked nervous when I said it—but relax, Jakarta will contribute.”
Creating a Special Authority to Manage the Project
To make sure everything runs smoothly, Prabowo also announced plans to set up a dedicated agency called the North Java Sea Wall Authority. This new body will oversee planning, coordination, execution, and funding of the entire project.
With such a large-scale and long-term project, a focused and streamlined management structure is crucial. It’ll help avoid bureaucratic delays, corruption risks, and overlapping authorities between central and regional governments.
Open to Foreign Partners, But We Start With Our Own Strength
Despite the huge cost, Prabowo said the government won’t sit around waiting for foreign investors. Instead, Indonesia will begin construction using domestic resources and national strength.
That said, international partners are still welcome. The President extended invitations to companies from China, Japan, Korea, Europe, and the Middle East to participate.
“If they want to join, they’re welcome. But we’re not waiting for anyone. We’ll start with what we have,” he said firmly.
This shows Prabowo’s vision of self-reliance and leadership—proving that Indonesia is ready to take charge of its own future.
More Than Just a Wall: It's About Securing the Future
Let’s be clear—this is not just a wall project. It’s about protecting livelihoods, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and ensuring that the country remains resilient for generations to come.
If cities like Jakarta and Semarang continue sinking while seas rise, Indonesia faces a major national crisis. Entire neighborhoods could be lost, industries shut down, millions displaced. That’s not just a coastal problem—it’s a national emergency.
This sea wall is a shield, a frontline defense that could make all the difference. And for Prabowo, this is not just about concrete and steel—it’s about securing the very heart of Indonesia’s future.
A New Era of Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
Under Prabowo’s leadership, Indonesia may be entering a new era of infrastructure development. While previous administrations focused on toll roads, airports, and railways, Prabowo is turning attention toward climate adaptation infrastructure—something the world is increasingly realizing is non-negotiable.
Similar large-scale infrastructure exists in places like the Netherlands, where sea walls have protected low-lying regions for decades, and in Japan, where tsunami barriers are part of everyday life. Indonesia is now catching up—and doing it in a big way.
What Comes Next?
In the coming months, the North Java Sea Wall Authority is expected to be officially launched. The government will begin site assessments, environmental impact studies, and early-stage engineering work for the Jakarta Bay segment.
There will also be discussions with international partners, although the project’s funding model will prioritize domestic sources first. Expect to see updates on land acquisition, budgeting, and early construction by early 2026.
And if everything goes as planned, the Giant Sea Wall will become one of Indonesia’s most iconic infrastructure feats—right up there with Borobudur, the Trans-Java Toll Road, and the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail.
A Bold Vision for a Safer Indonesia
There’s no sugarcoating it—this project is huge, expensive, and ambitious. But it’s also necessary. With rising seas, unpredictable weather patterns, and cities slowly sinking, the time for bold action is now.
President Prabowo has made it clear: Indonesia will lead with strength, vision, and determination. The Giant Sea Wall could very well be the legacy project that defines his presidency—and helps secure a future where Indonesia’s coastline is not just protected but transformed.
*READ MORE LATEST NEWS AT GOOGLE NEWS