Groundbreaking for North Java Sea Wall Project Planned to Coincide with President's Birthday

The Head of the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) of Central Java Province, Yusmanto, has revealed that he has received information that the groundbreaking for the giant sea wall (GSW) project on the northern coast of Java is set to take place on 17 October 2026. This date was selected to align with the birthday of President Prabowo Subianto.

“The plan for the groundbreaking is still 17 October, as it is intended to coincide with the President’s birthday,” Yusmanto stated when asked about the GSW project plans on Sunday (4/10/2026).

He explained that the groundbreaking for the GSW project will be conducted simultaneously at several points along the northern coast of Java. According to Yusmanto, one of the groundbreaking sites in Central Java will be in Timbulsloko, Sayung District, Demak Regency.

“The President does not necessarily have to be present in Timbulsloko. He might be in Jakarta, Bekasi, or another location, but it will be broadcast via videatrons along the North Coast (Pantura),” said Yusmanto.

Nevertheless, Yusmanto noted that the groundbreaking schedule remains subject to change. “Therefore, we are still awaiting final confirmation,” he added.

Despite the upcoming planned groundbreaking, Bappeda Central Java has not yet received the Detailed Engineering Design (DED) for the North Java GSW project. The DED document is expected to be released by the end of this year.

According to Yusmanto, once the DED is released, the next step the government will undertake involves the Environmental Impact Assessment (Amdal). “So, as of now, we do not yet know what the construction of the GSW will look like or exactly where all the points will be. However, it is hoped that everything will be completed by the December 2026 target,” he said.