RRI.CO.ID, Batam – The Minister of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, paid a working visit to two national shipyards in Batam, namely PT Palindo Marine Shipyard and PT Batamec Shipyard, in Batam, Riau Islands, on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

The Minister's visit was to directly monitor the development of the domestic shipbuilding industry and make sure the progress of strategic maritime defense projects.

This visit is part of the Ministry of Defense's commitment to promoting the independence of the national defense industry, particularly in the construction and maintenance of warships, a crucial pillar in fostering Indonesia's maritime defense posture.

At PT Palindo Marine Shipyard, the Minister of Defense inspected various ongoing strategic projects, including the refurbishment program for the Indonesian Navy's FPB-57 fast patrol boats, which is currently showing significant progress.

In addition, PT Palindo Marine Shipyard is also involved in the procurement of Fast Missile Boats (KCR) 60 and the construction of light attack vessels to support the Indonesian Navy's operational needs.

Furthermore, the Minister of Defense also highlighted Palindo's contribution to the development of the defense industry through the Industrial Development, Knowledge & Local Offset (IDKLO) scheme, including international cooperation in the construction of hydro-oceanography auxiliary vessels and technology transfer programs.

This is considered a crucial step in improving national technological mastery and strengthening the domestic defense industry ecosystem.

Moreover, the minister continued to visit PT Batamec Shipyard, which is currently working on the construction of an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV-3) for the Ministry of Defense. This vessel is designed to modern specifications, equipped with radar, sensors, and a combat management system to support patrol and surveillance operations in national maritime areas.

This is considered a crucial step in improving national technological mastery and strengthening the domestic defense industry ecosystem.

The visit then continued to PT Batamec Shipyard, which is currently working on the construction of an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV-3) for the Ministry of Defense. This vessel is designed to modern specifications, equipped with radar, sensors, and a combat management system to support patrol and surveillance operations in national maritime areas.