Heaptalk, Jakarta – The Indonesian government is set to move forward with the construction of the Great Sea Wall, a massive seawall designed to mitigate tidal flooding caused by coastal erosion and land subsidence. Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas (PKP) Maruarar Sirait has expressed full support for the initiative, stressing the importance of community participation in the project.
“We are fully committed to supporting the construction of the Great Sea Wall to address tidal flooding resulting from erosion and land subsidence,” Minister Maruarar Sirait stated during the Coordination Meeting on Flood Management and Coastal Protection at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
The project, which will extend from Jakarta to Gresik, East Java, runs under the jurisdiction of the Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development, led by Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY). Minister Sirait highlighted that this initiative presents an opportunity to attract both local and international investments, making a comprehensive approach that includes public participation essential.
In the implementation Minsiter Ara perceives that the community is a crucial factor, as this development will directly impact residents, particularly in terms of potential relocation. Additionally, he added that environmental considerations must be taken into account, as they will affect daily life.
“There are many aspects to consider, including funding, environmental factors, and spatial planning. We must also ensure ample space for public participation in decision-making and proper dissemination of information,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono noted in a press conference that his team is still in the initial stages of discussing the project. Efforts are being made to integrate and update previous studies on the Great Sea Wall in Indonesia.
“The construction of the Great Sea Wall will be carried out in parallel stages. Not all areas along the northern coast of Java will be prioritized simultaneously. Some regions can still utilize alternative approaches, including a combination of gray and green solutions, such as mangrove plantations alongside concrete barriers,” Yudhoyono explained.
As discussions and preparations continue, the Indonesian government remains committed to ensuring the project’s success while prioritizing environmental sustainability and community welfare.
