JAKARTA (ANTARA)— The Indonesian government is planning a massive project to build a giant sea wall along the northern coast of Java Island. This initiative aims to address the significant issues of climate change and land subsidence affecting the region. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, announced the start of a comprehensive study to set this essential infrastructure project in motion.
Speaking at the BJ Habibie Memorial Lecture on July 23, 2024, Hartarto emphasized the project’s importance. “We are preparing the study,” he said, noting the commitment of both the current administration and the incoming government to support the construction of the sea wall.
Java’s northern coast faces severe environmental challenges, such as extensive land subsidence and the adverse effects of climate change, including frequent flooding and coastal erosion. Hartarto highlighted that this national strategic project, backed by president-elect Prabowo Subianto, is critical for mitigating these risks.
The sea wall is designed to provide robust protection for the coastal areas, safeguarding them from flooding and erosion. Additionally, the project aims to support economic sustainability and enhance the quality of life for local communities.
The government has outlined a phased plan for the sea wall’s construction:
1. **Phase One:** Construction of coastal and river embankments, as well as a pump and polder system, in Jakarta’s North Coast area.
2. **Phase Two:** Building an open-concept sea wall (open dike) on the west side of the north coast of Jakarta, targeted for completion by 2030.
3. **Phase Three:** Completing the sea wall on the east side of the north coast of Jakarta, with a target completion date before 2040.
Studies estimate that annual economic losses due to flooding in Jakarta’s coastal areas are around Rp2.1 trillion (US$125 million). Without preventive measures, these losses could escalate to Rp10 trillion (US$598 million) annually over the next decade. The first phase of the sea wall project is projected to cost around Rp164.1 trillion (US$9.8 billion), with funding anticipated through public-private partnerships.
Hartarto emphasized that Java Island, Indonesia’s largest contributor to GDP, faces serious environmental challenges, including erosion, flooding, and land subsidence, especially along the northern coast. The giant sea wall project is vital for ensuring the region’s economic and environmental stability and securing a sustainable future for Java and its residents.
What aspects of the sea wall project do you find most significant for Java’s future?
