Babcock International Group, in coordination with the British Embassy Jakarta and the British Chamber of Commerce, has formally inaugurated the Maritime Partnership Programme (MPP) in Jakarta.
This flagship initiative is designed to consolidate cooperation between the United Kingdom and Indonesia across maritime defence, industrial capability, and workforce development. The launch follows the £4 billion maritime agreement signed in November 2025 and serves to implement the UK-Indonesia Strategic Partnership established by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and President Prabowo Subianto in January 2026.
For UK defence contractors and sub-contractors, the MPP establishes a structured framework for long-term industrial engagement. Central to the programme are four landmark Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) signed by Babcock, which target specific areas of maritime technology and supply chain integration. A primary industrial pillar involves a collaboration with PT Len Industri to develop naval and maritime technologies, including the potential utilisation of DEFEND ID facilities. Furthermore, an agreement with PT Citra Shipyard focuses on exploring shipbuilding opportunities, technology transfer, and supply chain cooperation. These partnerships indicate a significant opening for UK suppliers to provide components, engineering expertise, and maritime systems within the Indonesian market, particularly as the nation seeks to enhance its frigate capabilities through the Arrowhead 140 programme.
The programme also prioritises the development of human capital and technical skills to support Indonesia’s growing maritime infrastructure. Babcock has committed to funding 30 UK Government Chevening Scholarships over the next three years, specifically for Indonesian students pursuing maritime and industrial leadership roles. Complementing this, a new University Consortium has been formed, comprising Newcastle University, the University of Strathclyde, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Glasgow, alongside Universitas Indonesia and Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember. This consortium will focus on maritime education and research and development, ensuring that the industrial capabilities delivered under the MPP are supported by a qualified workforce and innovative research.
The MPP represents a strategic alignment between UK government policy and industrial export objectives in the Indo-Pacific region. By investing in Indonesian industrial capacity and maritime resilience, the programme aims to uphold freedom of navigation and a rules-based international order. For businesses within the UK defence supply chain, these developments provide a clear roadmap for international expansion, backed by high-level diplomatic support and established industrial partnerships. The ongoing collaboration suggests a sustained period of growth in bilateral defence trade, offering predictable opportunities for firms specialising in naval architecture, maritime technology, and professional training services.
Image from left – Keir Mather, David Lockwood, Minister Tronggono, Vice Minister Suntana, HMA Dominic Jermey, Donny Donosepoetro
