April 23, 2026 | 10:31 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United Kingdom and Indonesia are deepening cooperation in maritime defence, fisheries, industrial capability, and skills development through the Maritime Partnership Programme (MPP). This strategic initiative was launched by the British defense company Babcock International Group (Babcock), the British Embassy in Jakarta, the British Chamber of Commerce (BritCham), and partners in Indonesia.
The event was attended by the Indonesian Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, the UK Minister for Aviation, Maritime Affairs and Decarbonization Keir Mather, Babcock Chief Executive David Lockwood OBE, the British Ambassador to Indonesia Dominic Jermey CVO OBE, as well as representatives of the business sector, senior government officials, academics, and other stakeholders.
Babcock signed four strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading universities, industry partners, and key stakeholders of the MPP program. These MoUs cover workforce development, education, scholarships, and industrial capabilities to support Indonesia's maritime objectives and the implementation of the MPP.
As part of this, Babcock will fund 30 UK Government Chevening scholarships for Indonesian students over three years to nurture future leaders in maritime and industrial sectors. It is also forming a university consortium with six institutions—Newcastle University, the University of Strathclyde, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Glasgow, the University of Indonesia, and the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology—to strengthen education, research, and innovation aligned with MPP priorities.
In addition, Babcock will collaborate with PT Len Industri on naval and maritime technology development, including potential use of the DEFEND ID facility, and has signed an MoU with PT Citra Shipyard to explore cooperation in shipbuilding, skills development, technology transfer, and supply chain development.
This MoU reflects a targeted strategy to support Indonesia’s maritime development across multiple sectors and builds on the 4 billion pounds sterling maritime agreement between the UK and Indonesia signed in November 2025. It also reinforces the UK–Indonesia Strategic Partnership, launched by President Prabowo Subianto and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in London on January 20, 2026.
Babcock Chief Executive David Lockwood OBE said Indonesia is a key strategic partner for Babcock, and this landmark agreement underscores the depth of our global experience and world-class capabilities. “We are committed to the long term—investing in Indonesian people, Indonesian industry, and Indonesia's future as a leading maritime nation,” he said.
Underscoring a shared commitment to stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, freedom of navigation, and a rules-based international order, the British Ambassador to Indonesia Dominic Jermey CVO OBE said the MPP reflects the countries’ Strategic Partnership by delivering tangible benefits such as jobs, opportunities, and economic growth.
Ian Betts, Chairman of the Britcham in Indonesia, welcomed the launch of the UK–Indonesia MPP as a major step in strengthening economic and industrial ties between the two countries, highlighting Babcock’s investment—including its role in enhancing Indonesia’s frigate capabilities through the Arrowhead 140 program—as evidence of the UK’s maritime expertise and long-term commitment.
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