Demak, C. Java, Oct. 19 -- The Indonesian government is pushing ahead with plans for a giant sea wall to protect about 50 million to 55 million people on Java's northern coast from land subsidence and tidal flooding, an official said Monday.

Didit Herdiawan Ashaf, head of the North Coast of Java Management Authority (BOPPJ), said President Prabowo Subianto is drafting a regulation for a sea wall "stretching from Tangerang, Banten, all the way to Gresik."

He spoke on Monday at a nature-based coastal protection demonstration site in Timbulsloko Village in Demak, Central Java, where chronic tidal flooding and rapid subsidence have left homes and schools submerged, with only rooftops visible.

Didit said the project will combine heavy engin...