Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to build a giant seawall in the northern coast of Java island, in an effort to protect the region from the effects of tidal flooding and climate change.

According to an announcement by the Cabinet Secretariat of Indonesia, the proposed seawall will span approximately 500 km, 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 eight to 10 years to complete.

“I want to emphasise one of our most vital and strategic infrastructure initiatives. Although it is a mega project, the Java giant seawall is essential,” said President Prabowo during the 2025 International Infrastructure Conference held at the Jakarta Convention Centre on 12 June.

To manage the project effectively, President Prabowo plans to establish the North Java Coast Seawall Authority Agency. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between central and regional governments, particularly the Special Capital Region of Jakarta provincial government, in financing the initial phase. For the Jakarta Bay area alone, it is estimated to cost US$8-10 billion.

President Prabowo further mentioned that he is open 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 said.

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