Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka conducted an on-field inspection of the construction of Section I of the Semarang-Demak Toll Road in Semarang City, Central Java, on Sunday, according to a statement received in Jakarta on Sunday.The toll road section, stretching from Kaligawe in Semarang to Sayung in Demak District, is designed to support connectivity and mobility while also complementing a giant sea wall connected to a retention basin to mitigate tidal flooding along Java’s northern coast.Echoing President Prabowo Subianto’s commitment to accelerating important national strategic projects, Vice President Gibran stressed the importance of completing the toll road on schedule to deliver immediate benefits to the public.“Mr. Vice President hoped construction will be accelerated so the toll road could be connected by mid-2027 as planned,” said M. Iqbal Tamher, Head of the Central Java-Yogyakarta Office of the National Road Organizing Agency, after accompanying him.He said that Gibran had urged stakeholders to accelerate development of the giant sea wall and stressed the need to optimize the potential and functions of the Terboyo and Sriwulan retention ponds.The vice president, he added, also instructed the governments of Central Java and Semarang to ensure the two facilities serve not only to mitigate flood risks but also as sources of raw water for local residents.“In essence, he demanded special attention to tidal flood control along the northern coast, with particular reference to Pekalongan and Demak,” Tamher said.Gibran’s direct review of the toll road section reflects the central government’s commitment to strengthening connectivity while prioritizing long-term environmental sustainability and protection for coastal residents, especially in northern Java, where tidal flooding remains a persistent challenge.