Prabowo seeks to develop national shipping industry
President Prabowo Subianto has issued a directive to accelerate the development of Indonesia’s domestic shipbuilding sector in a bid to bolster the national shipping industry, which is currently heavily reliant on foreign-flagged vessels. The president’s call to action was made during a recent limited cabinet meeting held at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Monday, July 27, 2026.
Strengthening the Domestic Shipping Fleet
Investment and Downstreaming Minister, as well as Danantara Indonesia CEO, Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, highlighted the need to expand Indonesia’s shipping fleet and enhance the presence of locally constructed vessels in the industry. Currently, a staggering 95% of goods shipments are handled by foreign-flagged ships, prompting the government to set a goal of increasing the number of shipments conducted under the Indonesian flag. A comprehensive development plan is being requested by the President to achieve this objective.
Promoting Local Shipbuilding Expertise
Rosan emphasized that the planned fleet expansion will be spearheaded by Indonesian shipyards, encompassing both state-owned enterprises and private domestic companies. The government is dedicated to boosting the country’s shipbuilding capacity while ensuring that vessels are manufactured in compliance with international standards. The overarching aim is to elevate and modernize local shipyards to facilitate shipbuilding activities in Indonesia while meeting global benchmarks.
Universities Gear Up to Support Shipbuilding Ambitions
In a separate statement, Brian Yuliarto, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, disclosed that universities have been tasked with preparing the technological capabilities and skilled workforce necessary to underpin the nation’s shipbuilding aspirations. This initiative underscores Indonesia’s substantial demand for vessels and the government’s vision for a more robust domestic shipbuilding sector to cater to future requirements. The expectation is for the shipbuilding industry to flourish in the coming years, prompting universities to make the essential arrangements to support this growth.
As Indonesia sets its sights on reducing its dependence on foreign shipping and fostering a self-sufficient maritime industry, the concerted efforts of the government, shipyards, and educational institutions are poised to reshape the landscape of the country’s shipping sector in the foreseeable future.
