AHY Reveals Many Food Centres in North Coast Java That Must Be Protected
JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) has stressed that food production centres along Java’s North Coast must be protected from the threat of seawater intrusion as the Giant Sea Wall (GSW) or Giant Sea Wall project develops in the North Coast (Pantura) of Java.
According to AHY, in addition to industrial areas, agricultural and food regions in Java’s Pantura also play a crucial role that must be maintained for sustainability.
He revealed that out of a total rice field area of around 1.5 million hectares on Java Island, 115,000 hectares have been impacted by seawater intrusion.
According to AHY, efforts to protect food areas must also be accompanied by agricultural and irrigation modernisation to keep productivity stable.
In addition to protecting the food sector, AHY said the North Coast Java development project is also directed towards improving the welfare of coastal communities, including fishermen.
He mentioned that the government is developing the Red and White Fishermen’s Village concept managed by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) as part of the integration of coastal area development.
AHY also highlighted the potential for absorbing labour from underprivileged communities in the North Coast Java development project.
He noted that there are around 6.9 million people in the poor and pre-prosperous category who are expected to be involved in the development.
In addition, the government is also targeting protection for various national assets in the Pantura area, from urban areas, ports, airports, roads, to other utilities.
The North Coast Java development strategy aligns with the national development agenda in Astacita, particularly regarding economic strengthening, poverty reduction, improving community welfare, and inter-regional connectivity.
“This is where the need for strong, adaptive, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure support is essential,” he concluded.