Rethinking Indonesia’s Naval Strategy Priority

At the end of September 2022, the President Director of PT PAL Indonesia (Persero), Kaharuddin Djenod, expressed his desire to transform the company, in terms of resources, finances, and product lines. M. Djenod also stated that the company ambitions to build new types of warships, including Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD), and mentioned its desire to “enter the aircraft carrier market” in 2023. However, while these ambitions sound legit and could support the development of the domestic defence industry, it is essential for Indonesia to follow a priority scales approach, in which procurements are matching the operational needs of end-users and could steadily support the ambition of key players within the local defence industry, with a clear and effective long-term planning. In this view, without a clear cooperation and understanding from both sides, it seems complicated for the domestic industry to achieve its objectives and follow-up with its roadmap.