Indonesia Pushes Public–Private Partnership to Build Research Vessels

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is advancing a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) project to develop a fleet of internationally standardized research vessels.

The initiative, known as the National Research Vessel Fleet PPP Project, is designed to strengthen Indonesia’s position as a science-grounded maritime nation.

BRIN Chairman Arif Satria said modernizing the research fleet is a strategic necessity. “This project is not just about building ships. It is part of an effort to enhance sovereignty in science and research so that Indonesia, as a maritime nation, can realize its economic potential,” Arif said during the project’s market sounding event at the B.J. Habibie Building in Jakarta on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as quoted on BRIN's official website.

He explained that modern research vessels are crucial for exploring undersea economic potential, studying marine biodiversity, and developing environmental and ocean energy services. “One of the most important determinants in the world today is the strength of data. And the strength of data comes from research,” he said.

Arif highlighted the need to expand Indonesia’s research sailing capacity. The country currently records about 2,500 research sailing days per year, while the ideal requirement is 8,000. The gap underscores the urgency of adding vessels and strengthening operational systems for marine research.

He stressed that BRIN is committed to transparent and accountable project governance, supported by the Finance Ministry, Indonesia Infrastructure Guarantee Fund (IIGF), and other relevant institutions. The forum, he added, marks the beginning of stronger collaboration between government, industry, and the research community.

The project has three main objectives: to strengthen marine research infrastructure through the construction of oceanic and coastal research vessels and an integrated fleet management system; to create inclusive research access via open calls for proposals aligned with national priorities; and to promote technological and financial independence in research through private sector involvement under the PPP scheme.

Deputy for Research and Innovation Infrastructure, Iman Hidayat, said that managing the research fleet is a strategic component of national and global marine, oceanographic, and resource research. “Reliable and sustainable availability of research vessels and their management is a key factor in supporting these functions,” he noted.

BRIN is preparing a PPP scheme to operate three research vessels: one funded by private investment and two managed internally through public financing. By February 2026, the agency had completed an inception report, a real demand survey, and an initial business case aligned with national development planning regulations.

Survey results indicate demand for around 2,400–2,500 sailing days annually, covering geoscience, marine geography, ocean resources, and oceanography. The initial business case, finalized in December 2025, includes strategic, technical, economic, commercial, and financial studies, as well as risk allocation under the PPP framework.

The vessels will be designed as multipurpose research ships equipped with advanced technology, including remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and portable instruments, to support BRIN’s four priority research themes in line with international standards.

The PPP scheme will follow a Design–Build–Finance–Operate–Maintain–Transfer (DBFOMT) model with a 20‑year concession period, including construction.

The market sounding was attended by prospective investors, operators, shipyards, and national and international financial institutions.

Feedback gathered will inform the pre‑feasibility study, testing the project’s attractiveness, PPP structure viability, and market readiness before finalizing the business case, conducting market consultations, prequalification, and tender processes. Signing of the agreement is targeted for the first quarter of 2027, followed by financial close. ***