China eyes role in planned giant seawall project in Java
8 October 2024
by Ruth Dea Juwita
Jakarta Post - Chinese entities are keen to invest in a planned giant seawall construction project along the northern coast of Java.
One such entity is China's Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute (NHRI), according to the Public Works and Housing Ministry. The state-funded research center is known for its involvement in constructing large dams and seawalls in its home country.
"They've shown interest, but whether they will engage or not is still up in the air. However, there has been follow-up on this interest," said the ministry's spokesperson Endra S. Atmawidjaja on Saturday, as quoted from state-owned news agency Antara.
"They will definitely send their experts to see first. Then they will begin discussions with Indonesian experts and deepen their understanding of the existing studies," he added.
In addition to China, South Korea and the Netherlands had also shown interest in participating in the project, Endra said.
"South Korea and the Netherlands have already done some studies on [the project]. They're looking at how they can contribute or even initiate parts of the construction," Endra explained.
However, "From a statement of interest to actual engagement, there's still a long way to go."
This January, president-elect Prabowo Subianto revived the idea to construct a giant seawall along the northern coast of Java Island.
The project was first envisioned by former president Soeharto in 1994. It has since gained traction in the last decade after the government decided to build a seawall in Jakarta, named the National Capital Integrated Coastal Development (NCICD), which also included man-made islands for private property development.
Building the entire seawall could cost up to US$60 billion, with the initial phase in Jakarta Bay alone requiring Rp 164 trillion ($10.55 billion).
The president-elect wouldextend and integrate the planned giant seawall in Jakarta all the way to Surabaya and Gresikin EastJava, said tycoon Hashim Djojohadikusumo on Monday.
Hashim, who is Prabowo's brother, said that the project would be funded through a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
"The government will hold 20 percent of the shares, and the remaining 80 percent will be financed by private developers," Hashim told reporters.
Developers from Hong Kong and China have already shown interest in the project, Hashim said, as Beijing's property market has become saturated, prompting investors to explore new markets.
Both local and international investors are welcome to participate in the project, he further added, saying, "What's important is that we build this seawall for the prosperity of our people, especially those living on Java's northern coast."
However, since its inception, the seawall project has faced criticism from activists and advocacy groups, who have cited risks to the environment and local livelihoods, while pointing out that the project would likely fail to solve the real causes of land subsidence.
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