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Jakarta, VIVA – Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Anindya Bakrie, stated that the Indonesian government could partner with the Dutch government in its plan to build a Giant Sea Wall (GSW) along the northern coast of Java Island.
He believes the potential collaboration on the GSW project should be discussed at the government-to-government (G2G) level.
The Netherlands, he emphasized, is one of the world’s leading countries in dam and seawall construction, with centuries of experience in managing coastal infrastructure.
"Obviously this should be discussed between the Indonesian and Dutch governments. The Netherlands has exceptional capabilities in this area. They’ve been doing it for more than 100 years,” he said on Monday (June 16).
Ketua Umum Kadin Indonesia, Anindya Bakrie (kiri)
"The Dutch are the experts in building dams and seawalls — their geography demands it. So, this is something that could really be explored as a collaboration,” he added.
Rather than focusing solely on the construction of the GSW, Bakrie emphasized the importance of knowledge transfer from the Netherlands to Indonesia, particularly in maritime technology.
As an archipelagic nation, Indonesia must advance its maritime capabilities. Thus, discussions with the Dutch government should also include the exchange and development of expertise in this strategic area.
“We're an island nation, so we really need to master maritime technologies — for example, for aquaculture and increasing agricultural productivity,” he explained.
Moreover, he stated that the GSW project, which is expected to stretch hundreds of kilometers and require funding of up to US$80 billion (IDR 130,5 trillion) could take as long as 15 years to complete.
“So, I believe this kind of Indonesia–Netherlands partnership brings multiple benefits — investment, trade, knowledge transfer — and hopefully, it also creates jobs, helps us reskill our workforce, and attracts Dutch investors to Indonesia. I’m confident in that,” he concluded.
Halaman Selanjutnya
As an archipelagic nation, Indonesia must advance its maritime capabilities. Thus, discussions with the Dutch government should also include the exchange and development of expertise in this strategic area.
