Prabowo vows to begin construction of Java north coast sea wall

The United Arab Emirates is examining the possibility of involving its state-owned renewable energy company, Masdar, in the development of the Bulango Ulu Dam in Indonesia's Gorontalo province. During a recent visit to the construction site in Bone Bolango District, UAE Ambassador to Indonesia Abdulla Salem Aldhaheri expressed confidence in the project's potential and highlighted the role UAE-based enterprises could play in enhancing its impact. The dam, currently under construction since 2019 and scheduled for completion in 2026, is expected to serve multiple functions once operational, including providing raw water for approximately 880,000 people, supporting irrigation for 5,000 hectares of rice fields, and generating up to 80 megawatts of electricity. Aldhaheri stated that the UAE delegation had observed the progress on-site and was impressed with the current stage of development. He emphasized that collaboration with UAE companies, particularly Masdar, would add substantial value to the project. According to reports, Masdar's involvement could shift the dam's purpose beyond conventional water management toward contributing to regional clean energy initiatives. The dam has a storage capacity of about 93.5 million cubic meters and covers an inundation area of 549 hectares. Its multifunctional design is intended to drive economic development through improved water security, increased agricultural output, and the establishment of local tourism areas. President Prabowo Subianto has also outlined plans for a major infrastructure initiative aimed at protecting Indonesia's northern coastline from the effects of land subsidence and rising sea levels. During his address at the Parliament Complex in Jakarta, he announced that his administration would commence work on a Giant Sea Wall spanning from Banten Province to Gresik, East Java. The project, which is expected to take between 15 and 20 years to complete, is supported by technological advancements developed by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). Prabowo noted that while the project's duration is lengthy, immediate action is crucial to safeguard the livelihoods of millions of residents living along the Java north coast. The proposed sea wall, stretching approximately 500 kilometers, is envisioned not only as a protective measure against coastal erosion but also as a means to create clean water infrastructure and stimulate economic growth. Initial funding for the Jakarta Bay segment alone is estimated to range between $8 billion and $10 billion, with the overall project valued at around $80 billion. Prabowo drew comparisons to similar large-scale projects in countries like the Netherlands, emphasizing the need for proactive infrastructure planning rather than waiting for environmental crises to escalate. Both the Bulango Ulu Dam and the Giant Sea Wall represent ambitious national strategies to leverage foreign expertise and investment to address pressing developmental challenges. While the UAE's interest in the dam project underscores its growing engagement in Indonesia's renewable energy sector, Prabowo's vision for the sea wall highlights the government's commitment to long-term infrastructure resilience. These developments reflect broader trends in regional cooperation and strategic investments aimed at sustainable development and climate adaptation. As these projects move forward, their success will depend on effective implementation, resource allocation, and ongoing collaboration between local and international stakeholders.