Responding to the Giant Sea Wall, IPB University Professor: Between Coastal Protection Hopes and Ecological Challenges

Plans to build the Great Giant Sea Wall have once again attracted public attention. This 700 kilometer project, initiated by the government, is designed to protect the northern coast of Java, including Jakarta, from the threats of tidal flooding, abrasion, land subsidence, and sea level rise.

Prof Yonvitner, Chairman of the Center for Coastal and Marine Resources Studies (PKSPL) at IPB University, emphasized that this project has undeniable urgency.

According to him, every government always has strategic megaprojects. The Great Giant Sea Wall has become a priority under President Prabowo’s administration following the development of the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) under President Jokowi’s administration.

“This mega-project needs to be well coordinated. We must avoid repeating the mistakes of past projects that were abandoned midway. Spanning 700 km, it will traverse Banten, Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, and East Java. This is akin to the construction of the Anyer-Panarukan Road during the Daendels era long and complex,” he said.

Integrated Approach: The Key to Success
According to Prof Yonvitner, the construction of a massive sea wall cannot rely solely on concrete technology (grey technology). An integrated approach based on Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) is needed, which involves comprehensive coastal zone management, from risk mapping, functional planning of the area, to the involvement of all stakeholders. 

“The Great Giant Sea Wall is not just about massive concrete structures. Some areas require green and blue technology approaches, such as mangrove planting, floating houses, and maritime transportation. All of these must be identified from the outset,” he explained.

He emphasized that each region has distinct characteristics. Central Java has many unstable areas, while the southern coast of Java is relatively more stable. Therefore, construction, depth, and structural strength must be precisely designed according to local conditions.

Construction Challenges
Prof Yonvitner highlighted the major challenges of this project, ranging from the enormous cost, coordination between institutions and local governments, to the literacy of coastal communities.

“If the local community does not fully understand this project, it will be difficult to implement. The successful ICM approach in other countries requires local governments to understand the technical details of construction in their areas,” he said.

Additionally, environmental impacts are a separate concern. Reclamation and dredging activities for seawall construction could increase water turbidity, damage fish habitats, and even destroy mangrove ecosystems if freshwater and seawater flows are blocked. 

“Fishermen will be affected. Therefore, communities must be involved, trained, and empowered to prevent new social issues from arising along the coast,” he emphasized.

Potential Benefits and Risks
From the benefits perspective, the Giant Sea Wall is expected to reduce the risk of coastal erosion, tidal flooding, and the loss of agricultural land in Pantura, which is a national food production hub.

However, from the risk perspective, if the construction is not properly planned, it could lead to new issues such as restricted public access and the destruction of marine ecosystems.

“Long-term calculations are crucial. How strong is the construction, how long will it last, and what are the positive and negative impacts on the ecosystem and community activities?” he explained. 

Closing his explanation, Prof Yonvitner urged that public literacy about this project be strengthened. He emphasized that the involvement of the community, academics, and the government must be optimized so that this mega-project does not merely consume the budget but truly benefits the community.

“Let us support coastal conservation with clear mechanisms, clear allocations, and the involvement of all parties. Let us ensure that this large-scale project does not cause ecosystem damage without results that can be enjoyed by the community,” he concluded. (AS) (IAAS/LAN)