President Prabowo Subianto has announced the imminent commencement of a long-delayed $80 billion seawall project along Java's northern coast to address coastal erosion and tidal flooding.

Originally proposed in 1995, this initiative has faced nearly three decades of delays despite the increasing environmental threats posed by climate change.

The project originated from a 2014 proposal by Jakarta's government, aimed at safeguarding the capital from rising sea levels and flooding.

Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, Prabowo stated, 'We will no longer debate it -- we will start building,' highlighting the risks to coastal communities.

He noted that climate change is accelerating sea level rise, which poses significant challenges for Indonesia, including land subsidence.

Construction will prioritize areas most vulnerable to flooding, particularly Jakarta and coastal cities in Central Java, such as Semarang, Pekalongan, and Brebes.

The seawall is projected to span approximately 700 kilometers, extending from Banten in the west to Gresik in East Java, and is expected to take 20 years to complete.

The seawall project in Jakarta alone is estimated to cost around $10 billion and may take up to a decade to finish, with support from local government funding.

The government is actively seeking foreign investment, particularly from countries like China and Japan, to bolster this major infrastructure effort.

While foreign investment is encouraged, Prabowo affirmed that construction will proceed without waiting for international funding, stating, 'This project is a necessity for Indonesia.'

To ensure effective implementation and coordination, a special government authority will be established to oversee the project's progress.