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Bisnis Indonesia - Proyek Strategis Nasional: Pemerintah susun cetak biru GSW
18 June 2025
By Jessica Gabriella and Alifian Asmaaysi
The Indonesian government is currently drafting a blueprint for the Giant Sea Wall (GSW) project, valued at Rp1.297 trillion, in an effort to attract strategic investors to participate in the development of this mega-infrastructure initiative.
Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, stated that the blueprint aims to ensure robust construction planning to minimise budget leakage and inefficiencies.
“We must ensure the blueprint is thoroughly prepared. We cannot afford delays in its formulation, as this is an urgent matter,” he said during the Regional Cooperation Forum, the 2025 Mitra Praja Utama Governors’ Working Meeting in Jakarta on Tuesday (17 June).
He explained that the construction of the GSW could take up to 20 years, requiring synergy between central and regional governments.
Agus emphasised that the GSW project will be integrated with flood and tidal surge mitigation efforts using natural approaches. He stressed that while the construction will be accelerated, it will not be rushed.
“Speed does not mean haste. We must avoid inefficiencies or future adjustments that could arise from poor planning,” he asserted.
Countries with experience in building giant sea walls have always prioritised feasibility studies. For the GSW, Agus confirmed that the project will follow a realistic and integrative approach.
“It can be concluded that the most feasible and realistic method is to apply an integrative approach. Not all areas from Banten to Gresik need to be covered by a continuous wall,” he explained.
Constructing the entire GSW using concrete walls would be extremely costly and economically unviable. Therefore, Agus stated that the massive wall will only be built in critical areas, while other regions will adopt natural solutions such as mangrove restoration along coastal zones.
In areas with severe coastal abrasion, a GSW model will be implemented. “We must build thick and tall walls in the most vulnerable areas, but not everywhere. Prioritisation is key,” he said.
The Coordinating Ministry will apply a non-uniform approach across regions included in the GSW project, considering each area's characteristics and flood vulnerability.
“This confirms that the most viable and realistic strategy is an integrative approach,” he reiterated.
This conclusion is based on studies conducted by the government in collaboration with stakeholders, academics, and countries experienced in similar projects.
Agus predicted that the GSW project will be long-term, taking 10 to 20 years to protect the northern coast of Java Island.
“That is why we must ensure the blueprint is meticulously prepared. We cannot afford delays, as this is a long-term endeavour,” he stressed.
Currently, several investors from Asia and Europe have expressed interest in participating in the GSW project.
“There is interest from China, South Korea, Japan, and also from the Netherlands and other European countries,” he said.
Specifically, the Netherlands conducted a feasibility study for the project in 2020. The government is now following up on that study through ongoing dialogue with Dutch counterparts.
This follow-up includes updating feasibility assessments, technical discussions, and plans for technology assistance.
Agus noted that the Netherlands faces similar geographical challenges as Indonesia, which has driven continuous innovation in sea wall technology.
“We will maintain open communication and mutually beneficial cooperation. We are facilitating this through a project facilitation office, which will serve as a platform for exchanging insights with the Dutch side,” he explained.
The government is also promoting creative financing schemes for the GSW project, given the substantial costs involved.
“With the northern coast of Java stretching around 500 kilometres, our initial estimate for Jakarta alone is about US$8 billion or Rp120 trillion. The total cost of the entire project could reach US$80 billion,” Agus said.
Combat tidal flooding
Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo, stated that the GSW project, which stretches along the northern coast of Java Island, has been designated a national priority project following a special directive from President Prabowo Subianto.
According to Dody, the project is one of the most vital infrastructure initiatives to protect the northern coast (Pantura) region from tidal flooding and the impacts of climate change.
“Please be patient, as our budget is limited and must be prioritised across various sectors. But that does not mean we are idle. God willing, we will continue to work together to resolve the issue of tidal flooding,” he said in an official statement.
Dody added that President Prabowo has shown significant concern for the tidal flooding issue in Pantura, and the GSW project was included in his vision and mission before being elected for the 2024–2029 presidential term.
The government is currently preparing to establish the North Coast Giant Sea Wall Authority as part of efforts to protect coastal areas, particularly Semarang and Demak.
“The establishment of the authority is crucial to ensure the GSW project in Pantura is implemented sustainably.”
Separately, the Jakarta Provincial Government plans to allocate a minimum of Rp5 trillion annually for the GSW project.
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung stated that the budget allocation would be feasible if Jakarta’s Regional Budget (APBD) reaches Rp100 trillion. “Jakarta’s APBD is currently Rp91 trillion. Hopefully, next year it will exceed Rp100 trillion. If that happens, we must allocate at least Rp5 trillion annually for the Giant Sea Wall,” Pramono said.
He acknowledged that funding the GSW project presents a significant challenge but affirmed Jakarta’s commitment to fulfilling the mandate from President Prabowo.
Part of the funding, he said, will come from waste management revenues. “I am confident that internally, the city hall will be able to meet the funding needs. Where from? Partly from waste, and the rest from conventional sources like taxes,” he explained.
Pramono highlighted Jakarta’s potential revenue from waste management. With 55 million tonnes of waste at the Bantar Gebang Integrated Waste Disposal Site (TPST), the provincial government plans to build four Waste-to-Energy (PLTSa) units to process the waste.
“The PLTSa at Bantar Gebang could generate around 1,500 megawatts, which would be enough to meet Jakarta’s electricity needs entirely,” Pramono said.
He believes this concept will address both waste and energy challenges while reducing air pollution and generating additional revenue. “This revenue will be partially used to fund the Giant Sea Wall,” he added.
Jakarta Provincial Government is also constructing a sea wall in the Muara Angke area as a medium-term measure to mitigate tidal flooding.
This construction is part of Jakarta’s support for the National Capital Integrated Coastal Development (NCICD) project initiated by the central government.
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