Indonesia’s Coastal Island at a Climate Crossroads: Navigating the Seawall Debate

The ocean is creeping closer to Karminah’s village in Java, Indonesia. It’s a worrying sight for many as they face rising sea levels and land sinking caused by groundwater extraction. The government has proposed an ambitious project: a massive $80 billion seawall stretching 700 kilometers (435 miles) along the coast. This aims to combat land loss and protect communities like hers.

Residents have witnessed the tide push over a kilometer inland, and the seawall plan sounds like a lifeline. Yet, doubts linger. Financing is uncertain, and experts caution that such a seawall could worsen erosion in other areas and disrupt local ecosystems.

For Karminah, 50, these concerns are secondary. “What matters is that it doesn’t flood here,” she shared about her coastal road, which disappears little by little every day. Children in her village can no longer play outside, confined to watching the encroaching water.

The seawall is touted as one of the government’s most important projects to aid coastal communities, especially around Jakarta, the capital that is rapidly sinking. The village chief, Muhammad Syarif, believes that elevating homes with clay soil is not enough. “We really need this seawall to manage the waves,” he said.

Despite the urgent need, financing is still a question mark. Indonesia’s President, Prabowo Subianto, has called for investments from countries across Asia and the Middle East. Recently, he launched a new agency to manage the project’s progress, expressing uncertainty on when it might be completed.

Coastal fortifications like seawalls are not new. Countries like Japan have built them since natural disasters in 2011, and the Netherlands uses dikes to protect against flooding. These structures absorb wave energy, safeguarding coastal lives and property.

However, Indonesia’s situation is dire. On Java’s northern coast, land is disappearing by 1 to 20 centimeters (0.4 to 8 inches) each year. According to Climate Central, if current climate trends continue, significant areas will be lost by 2100.

Environmentalists warn that seawalls can harm beaches and alter ecosystems, leading to unintended consequences. Melanie Bishop, a coastal ecologist from Australia, notes that while they offer a temporary fix, they can exacerbate climate effects. “They can destroy vital shoreline habitats,” she explained.

For local crab farmer Rasjoyo, the threat of coastal erosion is all too real. He once lived in Semonet village, now abandoned and submerged, where he saw drastic changes each month. “The floods were severe, and my house was sinking,” he said, voicing concerns over whether the seawall will arrive in time—if at all.

Some experts suggest alternative solutions like using natural defenses. Mangroves and reefs may offer more sustainable protection. “These habitats can adjust with rising seas,” said Bishop. Additionally, Heri Andreas from the Bandung Institute of Technology proposes a balanced approach combining relocation with smaller defensive measures.

In Bedono, where even graves have been moved to avoid the tide, residents seek immediate action. Karminah is anxious for any solution. “Just build something that lasts,” she pleaded. “What can we do? Please help us stop the water from rising.”

As discussions continue, the battle against rising seas in Indonesia is far from over.



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rising sea levels,Indonesia