"It will not disrupt the revitalization of the ponds," Trenggono stated here on Wednesday.
He explained that the purpose of building the giant sea wall is to address issues of tidal flooding and land subsidence along Java’s north coast.
Meanwhile, the government’s plan to revitalize 78 thousand hectares of less productive ponds on Java's north coast is expected to transform previously unproductive pond land into high-value, sustainable fisheries cultivation areas.
According to the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, this initiative also aims to support food security and improve community nutrition through increased fish protein supply.
The revitalization program will be implemented in stages, beginning in 2025, starting with West Java Province. The first phase of development will target 20,413.25 hectares (ha) of ponds located on government-owned land in Bekasi, Karawang, Subang, and Indramayu regencies.
Through this revitalization, the ministry aims to boost productivity from the previous 0.6 tons/ha/year to 144 tons/ha/year. Production volume is estimated to reach 1.18 million tons, with a production value of Rp30.65 trillion (US$1.8 billion), and create job opportunities for 119,100 upstream and downstream communities.
"Thus, the environment that was previously damaged will be restored to its former healthy state," Trenggono noted.
Earlier, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) stated that the construction of the giant sea wall on Java's north coast is intended to protect the community's future from the impacts of climate change.
AHY emphasized that protecting the coastline is not just a matter of infrastructure but concerns the survival of the community and the nation's existence.
The sea wall, which has been planned since 1995, will extend about 500 kilometers from Banten to Gresik, with an estimated cost of up to US$80 billion. Its construction will be carried out in phases over 15 to 20 years.
Related news: China, Korea interested in giant sea wall project: RI Govt
Related news: Minister invites Dutch firms to join Java giant sea wall project
Translator: Aji Cakti, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
