Indonesia approves Japan defense grant: Fast patrol vessels to bolster maritime security
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- Indonesia’s government and DPR Commission I agreed to accept a Japanese grant of patrol vessels worth ¥1.9 billion under Japan’s OSA program.
- Officials said the boats—capable of up to 40 knots—would improve the Navy’s ability to secure Indonesia’s vast maritime territory without drawing on the state budget.
- Lawmakers backed the plan but warned that foreign assistance should not compromise Indonesia’s sovereignty; the proposal will proceed to a DPR plenary session.
The Indonesian government and the House of Representatives’ Commission I have agreed to accept a defense and security equipment grant in the form of vessels worth ¥1.9 billion from the Japanese government, after weighing multiple considerations.
The agreement followed a closed-door working meeting between Commission I, the Defense Ministry and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) at the парламент complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday.
“We met with Commission I today. In essence, the government and the DPR agree to accept the grant from the Japanese government,” Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan said after the meeting.
Donny said the vessel grant is part of Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) program. Indonesia has previously received two vessels worth ¥1 billion under the same scheme.
From a strategic standpoint, Donny said the grant is important for Indonesia given the country’s vast territory and the range of potential security vulnerabilities it faces.
He added that the additional defense assets would significantly strengthen the Indonesian Navy’s ability to safeguard national waters.
Operationally, Donny said the vessels to be granted are patrol boats capable of speeds of up to 40 knots.
He expressed confidence the boats’ speed and maneuverability would make them well-suited for operations in Indonesian waters.
“The value is around ¥1.9 billion. If delivered as vessels, that would be roughly three or four boats,” he said, outlining the estimated number to be received.
From an economic perspective, Donny emphasized that Indonesia would not need to spend any funds from the state budget. “We simply receive them; the equipment provided is adequate for noncombat purposes,” he said.
The decision to accept the Japanese grant, he added, also took into account the prospect of closer cooperation between the two countries.
This, he said, would be particularly meaningful for ties between Indonesia’s Defense Ministry and Japan’s Ministry of Defense.
Commission I chair Utut Adianto said all procedural requirements had been met and every faction supported the planned acceptance of the grant, while stressing the importance of safeguarding sovereignty.
“In simple terms, we’re happy to receive help, but what we underline is that this assistance must not end up dictating terms,” Utut said.
The commission’s approval will next be brought to a plenary session of the DPR. “After that, the goods typically start moving here and can be used. The ministry will manage the process—if it’s ships, it will go to the Navy,” he said.
Indonesianpost.com | Antara
