Jakarta’s newly elected Governor, Pramono Anung, has announced plans to build a Giant Mangrove Wall along the city’s coastline to address issues of flooding, land subsidence, and coastal erosion. The initiative, which will follow his official swearing-in, was shared during a recent mangrove planting event in North Jakarta’s Angke Kapuk Protected Forest.
Pramono emphasized the importance of mangroves in protecting Jakarta’s coastal areas.
“I am serious about developing the Giant Sea Wall, but there must be mangroves on it,” he stated at the event on February 5, 2025, as reported by Kompas.
The project is a collaboration between the Central Government and the Jakarta Provincial Government. The existing plan for an 11.2-kilometre Giant Sea Wall will be expanded into a Giant Mangrove Wall, integrating natural elements to strengthen coastal defences.
“Whether we like it or not, Jakarta needs mangroves. Jakarta faces various challenges, including abrasion, land subsidence, and rising sea levels,” Pramono explained.
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Over the past 30 years, more than 50% of Jakarta’s mangrove forests have disappeared. Recognizing this alarming trend, Pramono stressed the need for continuous mangrove planting efforts to protect the city from environmental damage.
The urgency of the Issue
A recent survey from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry confirmed that Jakarta’s mangrove forests have declined by more than 50 percent over the past three decades.
“This is a serious problem that must be addressed immediately. Mangroves play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and positively impact Jakarta,” Pramono concluded.
The Giant Mangrove Wall project represents a significant step toward sustainable coastal management, ensuring a safer and more resilient future for Jakarta’s residents.
Jakarta DPRD member Hardiyanto Kenneth, who joined the mangrove planting event, supported Pramono’s initiative. He highlighted the crucial role of mangroves in addressing coastal environmental issues.
“We see that this coastal area is experiencing many problems, such as abrasion, sea intrusion, and other environmental damage. One of the best solutions is planting mangroves because they play a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem,” Kenneth stated.
This effort is part of a broader strategy to preserve Jakarta’s coastal environment and protect communities from further damage caused by rising sea levels and coastal erosion.
Cover: Photo by Tom Fisk/Pexels
