"We will protect the northern coast of Java from coastal flooding, land subsidence, as well as the locals who are vulnerable to natural disasters. We must also protect industrial and special economic zones," Yudhoyono stated after attending "Indonesia Summit 2025" here on Wednesday.
The Pantura Authority will draft a thorough roadmap for the protection of the northern coast of Java, he noted.
The agency will also oversee the development of the long-delayed construction of a "Giant Sea Wall" to combat rising sea levels and land subsidence, the coordinating minister added.
Yudhoyono confirmed that his ministry will serve as the steering committee for the Pantura Authority, which is expected to assist with the coordination with other ministries, such as the Agrarian and Spatial Affairs Ministry, the Public Works Ministry, and the Housing and Settlements Ministry.
"We want to encourage and unite our steps as it will be a large-scale, long-term project that requires many stakeholders, as well as investments, and commitment from local leaders," the coordinating minister remarked.
The "Giant Sea Wall" development will be funded by public-private cooperation, which the government sees as the best option. However, the funding proportion is yet to be decided.
President Prabowo Subianto on Monday inaugurated Vice Admiral (retd.) Didit Herdiawan Ashaf as the head of the newly formed Pantura Authority, mandated to execute the "Giant Sea Wall" project against tidal flooding.
The president also appointed Darwin Trisna Djajawinata and Suhajar Diantoro as deputy heads of the new agency. Djajawinata currently serves as director of operations and finance at a state-run infrastructure financing company, while Diantoro previously served as secretary general at the Home Affairs Ministry.
The three officials are now tasked with pushing forward the construction of a giant sea wall envisioned to stretch about 700 kilometers from Banten to East Java. First introduced in 1995, the plan had stalled until President Prabowo declared it a national priority.
Related news: Infrastructure Ministry assumes steering role in giant sea wall plan
Related news: Prabowo forms Pantura Authority to build Java's giant sea wall project
Related news: New Pantura Authority to spearhead Indonesia's giant sea wall plan
Translator: Maria Cicilia G, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
