Tangerang Regency backs acceleration of Giant Sea Wall project along the Pantura coast

The Tangerang Regency Government, in Banten Province, supports accelerating the Giant Sea Wall mega project along the northern coast (Pantura) as part of an effort to spur new economic growth in the region. Sekretaris Daerah (Sekda) of Tangerang, Soma Atmaja, said on Thursday that, as a form of support for the construction of this sea wall, the administration would push for strengthening the human resources (HR) sector.

He stated that the commitment of the local government to supporting the acceleration of coastal protection infrastructure development along the Pantura is being carried out through a teamwork involving several relevant regional government agencies (OPD).

‘There are several relevant OPDs such as Bappeda, DTRB, and Bina Marga. They, from the heads of the departments down to their divisions, are part of the teamwork to assist the authority,’ he said.

Soma is optimistic that the Giant Sea Wall on the northern coast of Tangerang will have wide-ranging impacts on coastal communities. In addition to protecting land from erosion, the colossal seawall is also designed as a means of connectivity for the region that will drive a new growth engine for the economy.

In this regard, the Tangerang Regency area is planned to have three types of development designs for the seawall infrastructure. Of the three types—mangrove development as a natural sea wall, breakwater or wave-break wall, and the giant seawall—the project is planned to span approximately 17–19 kilometres along the north coast of Tangerang.

‘The length, if I’m not mistaken, is about 17–19 kilometres for the seawall project to be built in Tangerang Regency,’ he said.

‘In fact, this project design has already undergone extensive research. From oceanography and marine science experts who have been heavily involved there have already been studies,’ he added.

It is known that the Giant Sea Wall along the Pantura Java coast is to be built in 575 kilometres, divided into 15 segments. This project not only protects factories and offices but also protects ecosystems, ecology, and especially fishermen.

The urgency of building the Giant Sea Wall is to protect the Pantura Java region’s contribution to the national gross domestic product (GDP) of around USD 368.3 billion.