Giant Sea Wall Project, a Major Coastal Protection Initiative

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and the Northern Coast of Java Management Authority have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a joint environmental management team for the northern coast of Java. The agreement was signed on June 15 as part of efforts to strengthen environmental governance in the region.

The memorandum follows a meeting between Environment Minister Moh. Jumhur Hidayat and Northern Coast Authority Head Didit Herdiawan in Jakarta, Monday 15 June 2026. The cooperation is aimed at ensuring environmental considerations remain central to development projects along the northern coastline.

Based on the release received by RRI VOI Monday, June 16, 2026, Minister Jumhur emphasized the importance of incorporating social commitment and social integration into Strategic Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Assessments. He said environmental planning must also address social aspects to ensure sustainable development outcomes.

The minister also highlighted the need for coordination with the Jakarta provincial government to improve waste management from upstream areas. The measure is considered important for mitigating environmental pressures along the northern coast.

During the meeting, Didit Herdiawan presented progress on the Giant Sea Wall project, a major coastal protection initiative stretching approximately 575 kilometers. Construction planning has been accelerated, reducing the projected completion timeline from 20 years to 15 years.

Groundbreaking for the project is scheduled for early 2027. The seawall is planned to be built around six kilometers offshore at a depth of approximately 13 meters.

To support the accelerated development process, the government is preparing additional legal instruments, including a presidential instruction and a presidential regulation. These measures are expected to streamline permitting procedures and strengthen coordination among relevant agencies.

Environmental impact assessments for the Giant Sea Wall have been underway since March 2026 and cover multiple districts along Java’s northern coast. Authorities have also coordinated with state-owned companies and other stakeholders to support marine spatial planning and strategic environmental studies related to the project.