Demak, Central Java (ANTARA) - Indonesia has launched a program to protect Java's northern coast, or Pantura, from coastal erosion and land subsidence while supporting coastal livelihoods, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) said on Monday.
The program is part of a government strategy to strengthen coastal communities' resilience by combining physical infrastructure with nature-based solutions, such as mangrove restoration.
Speaking at the launch of a demonstration site in Demak, Central Java, AHY stressed Pantura's strategic role in the economy, saying the region contributes about 28 percent of Indonesia's gross domestic product.
The area also hosts strategic industrial estates, special economic zones, food production centers and logistics corridors, he said.
AHY said the program is crucial for delivering concrete measures against decades-long threats from rising sea levels, coastal erosion and land subsidence that have hurt livelihoods and well-being along Pantura.
He said the initiative is part of the broader Giant Sea Wall project, which aims to protect coastal communities in Banten, Jakarta, West Java, Central Java and East Java.
The minister said implementation would be tailored to each region's characteristics, combining coastal embankments with nature-based measures.
Didit Herdiawan Ashaf, head of the Pantura Management Authority Agency (BOPPJ), said the program began with mangrove planting and installation of locally produced hexagonal blocks for coastal breakwaters in Timbulsloko Village.
"Thank God, we have finalized the draft master plan," he said, adding that a presidential regulation would be issued to support the initiative.
He also stressed the need to consider the livelihoods of fishers and fish farmers when carrying out coastal protection measures.
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Translator: A.M. Fauzan, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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