Mendiktisaintek: Giant Sea Wall Project to Protect 30 Million Residents

The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendiktisaintek) Prof Brian Yuliarto attended a limited meeting chaired by President Prabowo Subianto at the Merdeka Palace in Central Jakarta on Monday (20/4/2026). The meeting discussed the maturation of plans for constructing a giant sea wall as a strategic national project expected to protect northern Java’s coastal areas.

Brian explained that the Giant Sea Wall project plays a vital role in protecting around 60% of industrial areas as well as more than 30 million residents in the affected regions. Therefore, he said, the Head of State encouraged the Ministry of Diktisaintek to participate actively, particularly through contributions of research and innovation from higher education institutions.

“Many research outcomes from campuses have already been tested. One successful example is in Demak, Semarang. We are also asked to participate actively. So, lecturers who have been conducting research on campuses that support acceleration and greater efficiency in the development of the Giant Sea Wall are requested to get involved,” Brian stated.

As a follow-up, according to him, the Ministry of Diktisaintek will soon invite professors and experts with relevant expertise, including in land development and reclamation. Brian conveyed that these academics will not only provide technical studies but will also be directly involved in the implementing team of the North Java Coast Management Authority (BPPOJ).

“Even more than that, they will be directly involved in the team led by the Head of the Authority (Didit Herdiawan),” Brian said.