Indonesia’s maritime defense industry is taking a more serious step toward self-reliance. BRIN and PT PAL Indonesia have agreed to deepen cooperation on hydrodynamics technology and underwater vessels, with the goal of turning research into something that can be used by industry.
The agreement signals a shift in emphasis from laboratory work to practical development. Instead of stopping at prototypes, the collaboration is expected to move further into design, manufacturing, testing, and propulsion systems for naval platforms.
A collaboration shaped by industrial needs
The partnership involves BRIN’s Center for Hydrodynamics Technology Research and PT PAL Indonesia, with computational fluid dynamics, or CFD, playing a central role. The simulation-based approach is intended to improve ship performance while making research results easier to integrate into the defense industry.
Widodo Pranowo, head of PRTH BRIN, said the cooperation continues a research relationship that dates back to the BPPT era. He stressed that the outcome of research should not remain limited to prototypes, but must answer real industrial needs.
Reducing dependence on foreign technology
From the industrial side, PT PAL Indonesia President Director Kaharuddin Djenod emphasized the importance of applying domestic innovation in the defense sector. He described the cooperation as a commitment to reducing Indonesia’s dependence on foreign technology.
BRIN is also applying a demand-driven approach in the collaboration. That means the research direction is being adjusted to industry requirements so the results are more relevant for the development of warships and underwater vessels.
From research to testing and commercialization
Both sides have also agreed to expand the partnership into testing and commercialization. The long-term scheme is expected to strengthen the competitiveness of Indonesia’s maritime defense industry and support national technological independence.
| Cooperation Area | Main Focus | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Research | Hydrodynamics technology and underwater vessels | Innovation aligned with industrial needs |
| Design and manufacturing | Ship development and propulsion systems | Faster use of research results |
| Testing and commercialization | Technology integration into the defense industry | Stronger national maritime competitiveness |
Widodo said the collaboration opens the possibility for Indonesia to produce ship technology that not only meets domestic demand, but can also compete in global markets. The partnership places maritime defense research closer to production and industrial deployment than before.
For BRIN and PT PAL, the agreement is more than a formal document. It reflects a broader attempt to build a defense technology ecosystem that can move from research output to usable maritime capability.
