Indonesia Plans Giant Sea Wall to Protect Java’s North Coast

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has reaffirmed the strategic need to construct a Giant Sea Wall along Java’s North Coast to protect millions of coastal residents and major economic activities from increasing environmental threats.

Speaking on the broadcast programme Presiden Prabowo Menjawab (President Prabowo Answers) in Jakarta on Wednesday, President Prabowo said the project was particularly important because of the high concentration of industrial facilities along the northern coast of Java.

He stressed the need for comprehensive coastal protection infrastructure, including embankments, sea walls and breakwaters, to safeguard industrial areas and coastal communities.

The planned Giant Sea Wall will extend approximately 575 kilometres, from Tangerang in Banten to East Java. The project is expected to protect around 50 million people and safeguard areas contributing approximately 38 percent of Indonesia’s gross domestic product (GDP).

The northern coastal corridor is also home to around 70 industrial estates and five economic zones, making it an important component of Indonesia’s national logistics network. The mega-project is planned to be implemented in 15 construction segments.

President Prabowo said construction is targeted to commence in early 2027, noting that several potential investors have already expressed interest in financing the project.

He described the Giant Sea Wall as one of Indonesia’s strategic projects that must be pursued to strengthen coastal resilience and protect vital economic assets.

The Indonesian president, however, acknowledged that the project would require a long-term commitment and that construction timelines would vary from one region to another. He said Jakarta alone could require around eight years for completion, while construction in Semarang could potentially be completed more quickly.

President Prabowo estimated that completing the entire Giant Sea Wall could take up to 20 years, although accelerated implementation could potentially reduce the timeframe to between 10 and 15 years.