President Prabowo Secures IDR 90 Trillion Maritime Investment in UK Visit

RRI.CO.ID, London - President Prabowo Subianto has secured an investment commitment worth 4 billion British pounds, or approximately IDR 90 trillion (USD 5.73 billion), during a diplomatic mission to the United Kingdom. The agreement, reached in talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, focuses on revitalizing Indonesia’s maritime industry.

At the heart of the deal is the construction of 1,582 fishing vessels under the Maritime Partnership Programme (MPP), a strategic collaboration designed to modernize Indonesia’s aging maritime infrastructure.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya confirmed the details on Wednesday at London Stansted Airport, noting that the agreement builds on discussions initiated at the G20 Summit in South Africa last November.

The project will be led by British defense and aerospace company Babcock, underscoring the link between the maritime industry and national security. A key provision requires that all vessels be produced and assembled in Indonesia, ensuring that the economic benefits remain within the country.

According to projections from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, the program is expected to generate employment for around 600,000 people.

Of this total, 400,000 workers will be engaged in shipbuilding and assembly, 30,000 will serve as crew members, and another 170,000 jobs will be created through the multiplier effect in supporting industries and maritime services.

“This project will absorb approximately 600,000 workers because the vessels will be produced and assembled domestically,” Teddy said.

He emphasized that the initiative reflects the government’s focus not only on strengthening diplomacy and investment but also on creating jobs and reinforcing Indonesia’s maritime-based industries.

During the meeting at 10 Downing Street, Prime Minister Starmer welcomed the agreement, describing it as mutually beneficial. He noted that the program is also expected to create 1,000 new jobs in the UK’s specialized maritime sectors. “Thank you for the maritime agreement we signed. It is very important for the UK because it has created many jobs,” Starmer said, as quoted by Antara.

For Indonesia, the IDR 90 trillion investment represents more than a financial boost. It is seen as a catalyst for revitalizing fishing communities, modernizing national shipyards, and strengthening maritime security through enhanced domestic industrial capacity. ***