Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono said the project is not merely a sea wall, but also aims to protect the country’s economy and the livelihoods of millions of coastal residents.
Under the plan, the 575-km sea wall will be divided into 15 segments for phased implementation. The project is considered a national strategic priority under President Prabowo Subianto to protect residential areas, seaports, airports, industrial zones, agricultural land, and critical infrastructure in northern Java.
A man sits as he fishes at the sea wall built in an area affected by land subsidence and rising sea levels, during high tides in the northern coast of Jakarta, Indonesia, Dec. 9, 2019. Photo by Reuters
Agus emphasized that climate change has become a major challenge, forcing Indonesia to accelerate adaptation measures. Building climate-resilient infrastructure is a necessary step to ensure long-term sustainable development.
The government said the project will integrate technical, environmental and social elements. The North Java Coastal Management Authority will carry out the construction in phases, taking into account the economic conditions and livelihoods of local communities, especially coastal fishermen.
