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July 14, 2025
The plan to build the Great Giant Sea Wall has once again garnered public attention. This 700-kilometer project, initiated by the government, is designed to protect the northern coast of Java, including Jakarta, from the threat of tidal flooding, abrasion, land subsidence, and sea level rise.
Prof. Yonvitner, Head of the Center for Coastal and Marine Resources Studies (PKSPL) at IPB University, emphasized the undeniable urgency of this project.
According to him, every government always has strategic megaprojects. The Great Giant Sea Wall became a priority under President Prabowo, following the development of the Indonesian Capital City (IKN) under President Jokowi.
“This megaproject needs to be well-consolidated. We must not repeat the mistakes of past projects that were abandoned midway. It is 700 km long, crossing Banten, Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, and East Java. This is like the construction of the Anyer-Panarukan Road during the Daendels era: long and complex,” he said.
An Integrated Approach: The Key to Success
According to Professor Yonvitner, the construction of a giant sea wall cannot rely solely on grey concrete technology. An integrated approach based on Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) is needed, namely comprehensive coastal area management, from risk mapping and planning of area functions to involving all stakeholders.
“The Great Giant Sea Wall is not just a giant concrete slab. There are areas that require green and blue technology approaches, such as mangrove planting, floating houses, and maritime transportation. All of these must be identified from the outset,” he explained.
He emphasized that each region has different characteristics. Central Java has many unstable areas, while the southern coast of Java is relatively more stable. Therefore, the construction, depth, and strength of the structure must be precisely designed to suit local conditions.
Development Challenges
Professor Yonvitner highlighted the significant challenges of this project, ranging from the enormous funding required, coordination across institutions and local governments, to literacy in coastal communities.
“If regions do not fully understand the project, it will be difficult to implement. The successful ICM approach in other countries requires local governments to understand the technical details of development in their regions,” he said.
Furthermore, environmental impacts are a concern. Reclamation and dredging activities for sea wall construction have the potential to increase sea turbidity, damage fish habitats, and even kill mangrove ecosystems if the flow of freshwater and seawater is blocked.
“Fishermen will be impacted. Therefore, the community must be involved, trained, and empowered to prevent new social problems from emerging along the coast,” he stressed.
Potential Benefits and Risks
In terms of benefits, the Giant Sea Wall is expected to reduce the risk of coastal erosion, tidal flooding, and the loss of agricultural land in the Pantura (North Coast) area, which is a national food center.
However, in terms of risks, if the construction is not carefully planned, it could create new problems such as obstructed public access and the death of marine ecosystems.
“Long-term calculations are important. Consider the strength of the construction, how many years it will last, and the extent of the positive and negative impacts on the ecosystem and community activities,” he explained.
Concluding his explanation, Prof. Yonvitner advised strengthening public awareness about this project. He stated that the involvement of the community, academics, and the government must be optimized so that this megaproject does not simply waste funds but is truly beneficial.
“Let’s support coastal protection with clear mechanisms, clear allocations, and the involvement of all parties. We must not let this major project cause ecosystem damage without the benefits being enjoyed by the community,” he concluded.
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