Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has affirmed that the Giant Sea Wall Pantura project—designed to protect coastal communities along Java’s northern shoreline—is no longer just an idea. In his closing remarks at the International Infrastructure Conference at Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) on Wednesday (June 12), he announced that the long-delayed project will finally begin after nearly 30 years of planning.

“I want to highlight one of our most strategic and vital infrastructure projects—a true mega-project that must be realized: the giant sea wall for Java’s northern coast,” Prabowo declared.

The sea wall is crucial for coastal communities, which frequently suffer from tidal flooding, land subsidence, and rising sea levels due to climate change.

“This project has been in the Bappenas planning stage since 1995. Imagine that—since 1995. Thirty years ago. But we will not dwell on the past. There will be no more delays. No more excessive discussion. We are getting to work—now,” he emphasized.

The massive project will span approximately 500 kilometers, stretching from Banten to Gresik, requiring an estimated $80 billion in funding and 15–20 years to complete.

“This is no small undertaking—about 500 kilometers from Banten to Gresik in East Java. The estimated budget is $80 billion. Just the Jakarta Bay portion alone will take 8 to 10 years. Extending to East Java could take 15–20 years,” Prabowo explained.

Despite the long construction timeline, Prabowo insisted that the government will not postpone the project any longer.

“It doesn’t matter. There is an old saying: ‘A journey of a thousand kilometers begins with a single step.’ We will take that step. I have instructed a team to conduct a roadshow, and soon, I will establish a dedicated authority—the North Coast Java Sea Wall Authority,” he announced.

With economic losses from tidal floods and the declining productivity of coastal communities, the sea wall will provide critical protection for residential areas, ports, industrial zones, and national logistics centers along Java’s northern coast.

Prabowo also confirmed that initial construction priority will focus on Jakarta and Semarang—the most affected regions.

“Our priority is DKI Jakarta and Semarang. Semarang, Pekalongan, Brebes—rising water levels are already threatening lives, so this must begin immediately. We welcome companies from China, Japan, Korea, Europe, and the Middle East to participate. But we will not wait—we will use our own national resources if necessary,” he asserted.

To ensure swift and well-coordinated implementation, Prabowo announced plans to establish a dedicated governing body to oversee the project, preventing coastal residents from enduring the annual cycle of tidal flooding.

“I don’t know which president will see this project completed, but what matters is that we must start—and we will start,” he concluded.