Giant Sea Wall to be combined with mangrove restoration : Minister

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) said the planned Giant Sea Wall along Java’s northern coast will be integrated with large-scale mangrove restoration as a nature-based solution to address coastal flooding and rising sea levels.

Speaking in Bogor, West Java, on Friday, AHY said flooding is caused not only by upstream factors but also by challenges in downstream and coastal areas.

“Flooding is not only driven by problems upstream or water flowing from higher areas, but also by downstream challenges. This is what we are addressing through stronger infrastructure measures,” he said.

According to AHY, the construction of the Giant Sea Wall is necessary to mitigate flooding risks linked to sea-level rise and land subsidence along the northern coast of Java.

He noted that several areas along the Pantura region experience land subsidence ranging from 5 to 20 centimeters annually, largely due to excessive groundwater extraction by tens of millions of residents.

To address the problem, the government is preparing the phased construction of the Giant Sea Wall, which will stretch more than 500 kilometers along Java’s northern coastline.

AHY said the project will also include extensive mangrove planting, as mangrove ecosystems serve as natural barriers against seawater intrusion and coastal erosion.

“We are designing offshore seawalls in addition to coastal embankments, and we are integrating them with mangroves because this is a nature-based solution. Mangroves are highly effective when incorporated into coastal protection systems,” he said while launching the “Let’s Honor Our Rivers” movement.

Earlier, AHY said the government was finalizing the design of the Giant Sea Wall project.

“Indonesia is refining plans for the Giant Sea Wall as part of a broader coastal protection agenda, particularly along Java’s northern coast. This initiative is not merely about physical protection, but also about safeguarding livelihoods and ensuring the sustainability of social and economic ecosystems in coastal communities,” he said.

AHY emphasized that climate change has become a tangible challenge for Indonesia, with flooding, landslides, extreme weather, sea-level rise, and land subsidence in several coastal regions requiring long-term and carefully planned mitigation measures.

He added that the project could create significant opportunities for international collaboration, including coastal engineering, marine barrier technologies, operations and maintenance systems, as well as joint research and development initiatives.

Related news: Indonesia pushes Giant Sea Wall plan to protect Java's north coast

Related news: Indonesia eyes global partners for giant sea wall project

Translator: Khaerul, Azis Kurmala

Editor: Primayanti

Copyright © ANTARA 2026