Indonesia to Receive Patrol Vessel Grant from Japan

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government along with the House of Representatives (DPR RI) have agreed to accept of a patrol vessel grant from the Government of Japan valued at approximately 1.9 billion Japanese yen, or around 12 million US dollars. The cooperation is part of Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) program.

Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Defense, Donny Ermawan Taufanto, said the vessel grant is considered important in strengthening the country’s maritime security. He noted that the grant offers strategic benefits across economic, operational, and foreign policy aspects.

“In essence, the government and the House have agreed to accept the grant from the Government of Japan. From a strategic standpoint, this grant is very important for us,” Donny said during a press briefing following a working meeting with Commission I of the House in Jakarta on Tuesday, 10 February 2026.

He explained that the additional defense equipment would enhance the Indonesian Navy’s capability to address various security challenges across Indonesia’s vast maritime territory.

“There are many vulnerabilities in our waters, so this additional equipment will have a significant impact on the Navy’s ability to secure our maritime territory. From an operational perspective, the vessels are fast and agile, making them well-suited for operations in Indonesian waters,” he stated.

Donny further emphasized that the grant does not burden the state budget. He said the cooperation would foster bilateral relations between Indonesia and Japan, particularly in the defense sector.

“We simply receive the equipment, which is intended for non-combat purposes. From a foreign relations perspective, this will further strengthen cooperation between the Ministry of Defense of Indonesia and the Ministry of Defense of Japan,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Commission I of the House, Utut Adianto, stated that all procedural mechanisms had been fulfilled and that all factions in the Parlement had approved the grant.

“The process has gone through all stages, and today we have given approval. The next mechanism is plenary endorsement. After that, the equipment can proceed and be utilized. The relevant ministry will regulate its deployment, and since these are vessels, they will likely be assigned to the Navy,” Utut said.

Last year, Indonesia also received two vessels from Japan valued at approximately 1 billion yen. Regarding the number of vessels under the latest grant, Vice Minister Donny said the allocated value is equivalent to three to four patrol boats. The vessels are expected to measure around 14 meters in length, 5 meters in width, and reach speeds of up to 40 knots. The government hopes the grant will further strengthen Indonesia’s maritime defense and security operations.