Faced with the increasingly severe challenges of climate change, especially the threat of rising sea levels, the Indonesian government recently announced a grand plan to build a massive 700 kilometer long seawall from Banten to East Java. This plan aims to protect the precious rice paddies along the north coast of Java Island, which are known as Indonesia's "granary" and play a crucial role in national food security and agricultural development.

According to Antara News Agency, Hashim Sujono Djojohadikusumo, the Indonesian President's climate and energy envoy, revealed this significant decision at the 2025 ESG Sustainable Development Forum. He stated that Indonesian President Prabowo has made up his mind to implement multiple projects, including this giant seawall, to address the challenges brought by climate change.

Haxin emphasized at the forum that rising sea levels have posed a serious threat to Indonesian fishermen and coastal communities, all of which are caused by climate change. He pointed out that the plan for this giant seawall had been in place since 1994, when the government was already aware of the long-term harm caused by rising sea levels. However, due to various reasons, the plan has not been implemented. Now, facing the more urgent challenge of climate change, the Indonesian government has finally decided to take action.

According to Haxin's prediction, the construction of this giant seawall will be a long-term and arduous task, which may take 10 to 20 years to complete. However, he emphasized that this investment is worthwhile because if no action is taken, tens of thousands of granaries and rice fields located in areas such as Kalimantan or Papua will face the danger of being swallowed up by seawater. This will not only pose a threat to Indonesia's food security, but also have a profound impact on the country's economic development and social stability.

This giant seawall project is not just an isolated flood control project. Indonesian Minister of Economic Affairs Coordination, Elronga, stated that the project will also be connected to the existing flood control embankment in Semarang to form a more comprehensive flood control system. In addition, the project will be implemented through a financing plan to ensure sufficient funding and smooth progress of the project.

The Indonesian government's decision has attracted widespread attention both domestically and internationally. Many experts and scholars appreciate the foresight and determination of the Indonesian government, believing that this plan will make important contributions to Indonesia's food security and sustainable development. At the same time, some people have raised doubts about the feasibility and environmental impact of the project, demanding that the government conduct a more comprehensive and in-depth assessment before proceeding with the project.