Prabowo in London; Indonesia Bags License for British Warship

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - State-owned company, PT PAL, secured a license to manufacture frigate warships designed by British company, Babcock. The agreement was signed in London during the 'Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2021' event, witnessed by Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and British Defense Minister Ben Wallace, Thursday, September 16.

A frigate is a warship built with speed and maneuverability.

In a written statement, PT PAL said the frigates will be built in Indonesia, with special designs and specifications that meet the needs of the Indonesian Navy.

The British and Indonesian navies will have the same ships that have been modified according to their respective needs. The warships are expected to facilitate training and communication.

British Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor Leste Owen Jenkins said Indonesia and Britain have excellent defense and security relations. The memorandum of understanding between the two countries covers various aspects as well; from cyber to defense, navy and maritime.

According to Owen, both nations' navies meet every two years. Indonesia and the UK also have a joint training agenda on maritime security.

"Sharing the same new ship is the next step that should be taken. I am really looking forward to seeing our partners in Indonesia building this ship at the Surabaya dock," Owen said. 

Dewi Rina