en.Wedoany.com Reported - Indonesia's Minister of Environment and Head of the Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH), Moh Jumhur Hidayat, has called for a hybrid coastal protection strategy to address the increasingly severe coastal erosion, tidal flooding, and land subsidence along the northern coast of Java Island. This strategy combines large-scale infrastructure development with ecosystem restoration.
In a public lecture at Sultan Agung Islamic University (Unissula) in Semarang on June 2, Jumhur stated that the northern coastal corridor of Central Java, commonly known as Pantura, is under mounting environmental pressure, threatening residential areas, industrial zones, ports, agriculture, and fisheries that support the local economy. The lecture, titled "Giant Seawall as a Strategic Solution for Coastal Erosion and Tidal Flooding on the North Coast of Central Java," focused on major challenges in this key coastal economic region of Indonesia.
The minister explained that the recurring tidal flooding is primarily caused not only by rising sea levels but also by rapid land subsidence in several coastal cities. He specifically noted that sea levels rise by approximately 2.1 millimeters per year, while in the Semarang-Demak area, the rate of land subsidence can reach 0.010 to 0.150 meters per year. In some areas, the land sinks by as much as 10 to 15 centimeters annually, posing a threat far greater than sea level rise alone and requiring urgent intervention.
While acknowledging the strategic value of the giant seawall project in protecting economic activities and coastal settlements, Jumhur also emphasized that large engineering structures should not be seen as the sole solution. He warned that continued excessive groundwater extraction, poor spatial planning enforcement, and degradation of coastal ecosystems could undermine the effectiveness of infrastructure over time.
In response to these challenges, the Ministry of Environment is promoting a hybrid coastal defense approach. This method combines physical infrastructure such as seawalls, pumps, and polders with ecosystem-based measures including mangrove restoration, estuary protection, groundwater management, and stricter land-use planning. Jumhur likened mangroves to natural fortresses, stating that they can reduce wave height by 13% to 66% over a distance of 100 meters, while also restoring fish habitats and supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities.
The minister stressed that environmental safeguards must be central to all future coastal protection projects. Any development of a giant seawall must undergo rigorous Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA/KLHS) and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA/AMDAL). Officials stated that the review process must be based on scientific evidence, ensure transparency in public participation, and protect the interests of fishermen, aquaculture operators, women in coastal communities, and other vulnerable groups. The ministry's position is that the giant seawall can serve as part of the solution to protect Pantura, but it cannot be the only solution; a hybrid approach combining physical infrastructure with groundwater control, mangrove restoration, spatial planning, strict environmental assessments, and coastal community protection must be adopted.
The ministry believes that integrating engineering infrastructure with nature-based solutions not only enhances resilience against coastal hazards but also helps sustain economic activities and livelihoods that depend on healthy and productive coastal ecosystems. As Indonesia continues to face the impacts of climate change, coastal erosion, and land subsidence, officials stated that science-based integrated coastal management is crucial for maintaining the environmental sustainability and long-term economic resilience of Java's northern coastline.
This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com
