Indonesia and UK Seal Rp 87.7 Trillion Maritime Partnership as Prabowo Holds Video Call with PM Starmer

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BOGOR, Investortrust.id — President Prabowo Subianto holds a virtual meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday, Nov 22, 2025 in Bogor to finalize a maritime partnership worth Rp 87.7 trillion as both countries prepare to launch the Indonesia–UK Strategic Partnership in early 2026, a move expected to deepen defense and economic cooperation. The two leaders agree to advance a maritime partnership program covering sea security, information exchange, law enforcement capacity, and joint shipbuilding to support Indonesia’s fleet renewal and food security agenda.

Babcock International was cited as confirming that the program included collaboration with Indonesian shipyards to build more than 1,000 fishing vessels alongside new defense assets, a shift from past procurement in which entire ships were imported.

Babcock International said the plan involved transferring British expertise and technology to Indonesian yards, allowing vessels to be constructed domestically.

Prabowo stressed the strategic value of the program and said it would reshape bilateral ties through local shipbuilding supported by UK capabilities.

Prabowo added that the partnership aimed to strengthen Indonesia’s maritime defense, modernize its shipbuilding base, and support national food security through a more productive fishing fleet.

He said the collaboration would drive economic growth in both countries, generate quality jobs, expand Indonesia’s industrial capacity, and empower coastal communities by boosting fishermen’s productivity.

The UK contribution also included major investment into Indonesia’s shipyard sector, which the government said would help revitalise local maritime hubs and accelerate defense modernization.

Starmer stated that the agreement showed how strong international partnerships could deliver tangible benefits such as job creation, wider economic opportunities, and long term growth.

He said Indonesia’s G20 role made this cooperation an important pillar for global stability while reinforcing national security commitments in both countries.

Starmer also backed a broader plan to expand the presence of leading British universities in Indonesia and committed UK support for up to 10,000 scholarships for Indonesian students.

Both leaders discussed the situation in Gaza and called for an international stabilisation force to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access.