The concept of a giant sea wall to combat flooding and land subsidence is gaining renewed attention, but with a significant shift in its classification. Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development (Menko IPK), Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), has clarified that the project is no longer part of the National Strategic Project (PSN) but is now considered a mega-infrastructure initiative. The reason? The staggering budget it demands.
This ambitious project, aimed at safeguarding Java’s northern coastline, carries an estimated price tag of $50 billion or approximately IDR 809.5 trillion, calculated at an exchange rate of IDR 16,190 per USD. “If we call it strategic, the giant sea wall does not fall under the strategic category but rather mega-infrastructure,” AHY explained during a press briefing on January 8, 2025.
The origins of the giant sea wall project lie in a long-term vision for Indonesia’s coastal resilience. According to AHY, it is not a new idea but a culmination of years of deliberation and research.
“This giant sea wall is not a new concept from the past one or two years. It has been considered for a long time. We are currently re-examining existing documents, including feasibility studies from previous administrations, to assess whether it remains relevant or needs further adjustments,” he said.
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The initial phase of construction will focus on Jakarta’s northern coast, stretching 21 kilometers. The area is a priority due to its severe issues with tidal flooding and land subsidence. AHY emphasized that this project is crucial to protect the capital’s residents and infrastructure.
However, financing remains a considerable hurdle. The government is exploring innovative funding solutions, including partnerships with private entities. “We are dealing with budget limitations. We need to identify credible funding sources, and this remains under consideration. Of course, we await the President’s direction. The government cannot do this alone; we must strengthen public-private partnership schemes and attract investments both domestically and internationally,” he noted.
The scope of the project is not limited to Jakarta. Plans are in place to extend the initiative to other coastal areas along Java’s northern coastline, including Semarang and Demak. These regions face similar threats from tidal flooding and land subsidence. “Jakarta is not the only area experiencing tidal flooding and land subsidence. Regions like Semarang, Demak, and the northern coast of Java as a whole face similar environmental challenges. This is a concern for us to protect coastal communities,” AHY stated.
The giant sea wall represents a bold step toward mitigating environmental challenges while emphasizing collaboration and sustainable development. While funding and execution hurdles remain, the project could transform coastal infrastructure and offer long-term resilience for millions of Indonesians.
