Java North Coast Giant Seawall Needs Ecological Approach

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) Riyono Caping said the management of Java’s northern coast through the "giant seawall" construction needs to be designed as part of an integrated coastal management strategy, rather than simply as a physical barrier against tidal flooding. He made the statement at the Indonesian Parliament Complex in Jakarta on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

Riyono said the infrastructure approach must go hand in hand with strengthening the area's ecological functions. He explained that the giant seawall concept planned for Java’s northern coast should consider coastal areas' characteristics and the threats posed by climate change. Therefore, he said, coastal protection infrastructure must be combined with various environmental approaches.

"Don’t imagine it as merely a concrete wall that will later have to withstand severe tidal flooding, climate change, and waves. It will be a complex structure," Riyono said, as quoted by dpr.go.id on Friday, October 2, 2026.

He explained that management under the concept could include infrastructure development alongside coastal vegetation planting and mangrove management. In addition, he said, technical aspects such as bathymetric surveys also need to be taken into account to ensure the measures suit local conditions.

"It starts with the construction, followed by vegetation in coastal areas, mangrove management, and also area management, including bathymetric measurements," the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) politician said.

According to Riyono, the approach is important to ensure development is not solely focused on physical infrastructure, but also on the ecological functions of coastal areas. He also emphasized that the approach must include management of communities living around the area.

Riyono said the giant seawall concept draws on approaches previously implemented in several countries, including the Netherlands and South Korea. However, its implementation along Java’s northern coast must be adapted to Indonesia’s environmental conditions and regional characteristics.

He said management of Java’s northern coast requires long-term planning to ensure the infrastructure can sustainably address the threats of tidal flooding and climate change. Therefore, Riyono urged the North Java Coast Management Authority (BOP Pantura Jawa) to ensure that the giant seawall does not stand alone, but becomes part of a coastal management system that combines physical and ecological protection.