President Prabowo Reiterates Commitment to Launch Java Sea Wall Project

President Prabowo Subianto at the 2025 Internasional Infrastructure Conference, Jakarta Convention Cente, Thursday (06/12). (Photo by: BPMI)

In a bid to safeguard the northern coast of Java Island from the threats of tidal flooding and climate change, President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to commence construction of Giant Sea Wall in the northern coast of Java Island.

“I want to emphasize one of our most vital and strategic infrastructure initiatives. Although it is a mega project, it is essential, the Java Giant Sea Wall,” President Prabowo said during his keynote speech at the 2025 International Infrastructure Conference held at the Jakarta Convention Center, Thursday (06/12).

President Prabowo noted that the idea for the project dates back to 1995. The proposed sea wall will span approximately 500 kilometers, extending from Banten province in the west to Gresik, East Java province, with an estimated total construction cost of US$80 billion. The initial phase, focusing on the Jakarta Bay area, is projected to take between 8 to 10 years to complete.

“If we aim to extend it all the way to East Java, it could take 15 to 20 years. That’s fine. As the saying goes, a journey of a thousand kilometers begins with a single step. We will begin soon,” he added.

To ensure effective management of the project, the Head of State announced plans to establish a dedicated oversight body namely the North Java Coast Seawall Authority Agency. He also underlined the collaboration between central and regional governments, particularly the Special Capital Region of Jakarta Provincial Government, in financing the initial phase.

“For Jakarta Bay alone, we estimate a funding need of US$8 to 10 billion. If that’s the case, I believe we have the capacity to handle it ourselves. I have met with the Governor of Jakarta and emphasized that the provincial government must share responsibility with the Central Government. Let’s say it’s US$8 billion over 8 years—that’s $1 billion per year,” the President said.

President Prabowo also expressed openness to international partnerships.

“We welcome participation from companies in China, Japan, Korea, Europe, or the Middle East. However, we won’t wait. We will begin using our own national resources,” he remarked. (BPMI Presidential Secretariat) (GWH/LW)