Pantura Threatened to Sink, AHY Says Giant Sea Wall Protects Millions of Residents and Industries

JAKARTA - The government has begun to mature the concept of a giant sea wall on the North Coast of Java. This project is prepared to face the threat of land subsidence and flash floods that are increasingly pressing the northern coastal areas of Java.

Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) said the Pantura region is now facing a serious threat that directly impacts millions of citizens and the national economic center.

"The condition today faces challenges, both from land subsidence, land surface decline, and flash floods due to rising sea levels," said AHY at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Tuesday, May 12.

According to AHY, this project is not only about coastal protection, but also the rescue of industrial areas, economic centers, and special economic areas in Pantura.

Deputy Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Didit Herdiawan Ashaf said the giant sea wall project was divided into 15 segments from Serang to Gresik. However, all points are still in the assessment stage.

"Especially the problem of rob, the problem of land subsidence. There are economic activities, for example farmers, fishermen, fish farmers," said Didit.

He said the government must calculate the social and economic impact before construction is carried out. Because the Pantura area is filled with small community activities that depend on the sea and agriculture.

Meanwhile, Minister of Investment and Industrialization Rosan Roeslani said that the giant sea wall project was also prepared to become a new economic growth center.

"Not only is the giant sea wall built, but also points to increase the economy, increase investment," said Rosan.

According to Rosan, the government is still perfecting the master plan and studying investment potential in the area.