UK and Indonesia launch flagship Maritime Partnership Programme

Above: (left to right) Keir Mather, David Lockwood, Minister Tronggono, Vice Minister Suntana, HMA Dominic Jermey and Donny Donosepoetro.
Courtesy Babcock

The event, held in Jakarta, was attended by Indonesian Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, UK Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Keir Mather, Babcock Chief Executive David Lockwood OBE, British Ambassador to Indonesia Dominic Jermey CVO OBE, businesses, senior government officials, academia and others.  

Babcock signed four landmark Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading universities, industry partners and key programme stakeholders. The MoUs span workforce development, education, scholarships, and industrial capability – supporting Indonesia’s maritime goals and the delivery of the MPP and include:
Chevening Scholarships:
Babcock will fund 30 UK Government Chevening Scholarships for Indonesian students over three years, supporting future maritime and industrial leaders. 
University Consortium:
Babcock has partnered with six UK and Indonesian universities to build maritime education and skills capacity aligned to MPP capability priorities, enabling education, research and innovation opportunities. The consortium comprises Newcastle University, the University of Strathclyde, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Glasgow, Universitas Indonesia, and Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember.
Naval and Maritime Technology:
Babcock and PT Len Industri will collaborate on naval and maritime technology development, including the potential use of DEFEND ID facilities.
Shipbuilding Collaboration:
An MoU has been signed with PT Citra Shipyard to explore shipbuilding, skills, technology transfer and supply chain cooperation.

The MoUs reflect a deliberate strategy to invest across the full spectrum of Indonesia’s maritime development launch and build on the £4 billion UK-Indonesia maritime deal signed in November 2025, reinforcing commitments under the UK-Indonesia Strategic Partnership launched by President Prabowo Subianto and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in London on 20 January 2026.

Babcock Chief Executive, David Lockwood OBE, said: “Indonesia is a key strategic partner for Babcock, and these milestone agreements underscore the depth of our global experience and world-class capabilities. We’re here for the long haul – investing in Indonesian people, Indonesian industry and Indonesia’s future as a leading maritime nation. These partnerships will help bring that commitment to life and we look forward to continuing our strong and enduring relationship.”  

British Ambassador to Indonesia, Dominic Jermey CVO OBE, said: “The Maritime Partnership Programme is the Strategic Partnership in action, an example of how our strong international relationships are delivering real benefit for people at home in jobs, opportunity and growth. It highlights the UK and Indonesia’s shared commitment to stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, upholding freedom of navigation and supporting a rules-based international order.

“Together we are strengthening maritime resilience, supporting industry, and expanding opportunities for the next generation of Indonesian leaders. This is a partnership built on shared ambition, one that will deliver lasting benefits for Indonesia and the UK. Diplomasi, Kolaborasi dan Prestasi.” 

Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia, Ian Betts, said: “The British Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia warmly welcomes the launch of the UK-Indonesia Maritime Partnership Programme, which marks a significant step forward in deepening our bilateral economic and industrial ties. 

“Babcock’s investment, including its role in advancing Indonesia’s frigate capability through the Arrowhead 140 programme, demonstrates the strength of UK maritime expertise and its long-term commitment to Indonesia’s maritime ambitions. This partnership goes beyond defence, supporting local industry development, skill transfer, and broader maritime ecosystem growth across Indonesia. 

“In doing so, it reflects a shared vision for resilient, sustainable, and secure maritime infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific. Britcham looks forward to supporting the continued collaboration between UK and Indonesian partners as this programme progresses.”