 |
Star News INDONESIA, Thursday, (12 June 2025). JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to commence the construction of the Giant Sea Wall, a National Strategic Project aimed at protecting Java’s northern coastline from tidal flooding and the impacts of extreme climate change.
Delivering his keynote address at the 2025 International Infrastructure Conference held at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) on Thursday, June 12, President Prabowo emphasized the strategic importance of the project.
"I want to emphasize, I want to underline, that one of the most strategic and vital infrastructure projects for us—one that is a mega project but must be carried out—is the Giant Sea Wall, the Northern Coast Sea Wall of Java," the President stated.
President Prabowo revealed that the sea wall project has been in planning since 1995. The project is envisioned to stretch approximately 500 kilometers, from Banten to Gresik in East Java, with a total estimated construction cost of USD 80 billion. The initial phase in Jakarta Bay is expected to take 8 to 10 years to complete.
"If we aim to reach East Java, it might take 15 to 20 years. That’s not a problem. As the old saying goes: a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. We will start this journey soon," said the President.
To oversee the project, President Prabowo announced plans to establish a dedicated authority called the Northern Coast Sea Wall Authority. He also stressed the importance of synergy between the central and regional governments, especially the Jakarta Provincial Government, to support funding for the first phase in Jakarta Bay.
"For Jakarta Bay alone, the estimated cost is around USD 8–10 billion. I believe we can fund this ourselves. I’ve met with the Governor of Jakarta and sent an envoy. I told him Jakarta must contribute, and the Central Government will contribute too. If it’s USD 8 billion over 8 years, that’s USD 1 billion per year. The Finance Minister looked tense. I told her, 'Relax, Jakarta will contribute.' So, Jakarta pays half, and the Central Government pays half," President Prabowo explained.
Furthermore, President Prabowo expressed openness to international collaboration. However, he emphasized that the project would proceed regardless, utilizing national resources first.
"We welcome companies from China, Japan, Korea, Europe, and the Middle East to participate. But we will not wait. We will begin using our own strength," he concluded.
Editor : Wiwid/Maria Patricia
