Pemalang – Coastal communities in Pemalang, Central Java, are grappling with the severe and ongoing threat of tidal flooding, locally known as “rob,” exacerbated by relentless coastal erosion. In response to the escalating crisis, Bupati Pemalang Anom Widiyantoro, accompanied by Vice Bupati Nurkholes, made a direct appeal for national intervention during a visit to Desa Blendung, Ulujami District, on Saturday.
Since 2019, Desa Blendung and surrounding areas have been battling the encroaching sea. The relentless waves have not only eroded land but have also destroyed local tourist spots and businesses that once stood far from the shoreline.
“We hope the negative impacts can be immediately resolved and minimized as much as possible,” stated Bupati Anom, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
Call for National Collaboration
Bupati Anom underscored the magnitude of the problem, asserting that local efforts alone are insufficient to combat the powerful forces of nature. He specifically called for support from key national figures and institutions, including Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure AHY, the Minister of Public Works, the Vice Minister of Public Works, and all relevant stakeholders within the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries sector. He also urged other ministers to lend their attention to mitigating the environmental damage and destruction caused by rob along Java’s northern coast.
The bupati highlighted the widespread devastation, noting that rob has impacted 10 villages, obliterated a tourist area, and inundated vital agricultural lands, jasmine plantations, and fishponds in villages such as Kertosari, Blendung, and Mojo.
“We hope this receives more serious and massive attention because the economic impact on the community is extraordinary, and this cannot be left unchecked,” he stressed, pointing to the severe repercussions for livelihoods.
Local Efforts and Future Hopes
Despite the overwhelming challenge, the Pemalang Regency Government and local communities have been actively engaging in self-funded initiatives to mitigate the flooding. During their inspection, Bupati Anom and Vice Bupati Nurkholes participated in a pine tree planting initiative, a crucial step in preventing further abrasion and protecting coastal areas from high tides.
The visit also saw the presence of Assistant 1 for Government and Public Welfare Tutuko Raharjo, several heads of relevant regional apparatus organizations (OPD), and Ulujami Sub-district Head Muhibbin, signaling a concerted local effort to address the crisis. However, the bupati’s strong plea underscores the critical need for a larger, coordinated national response to protect Pemalang’s vulnerable
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