Industry Ministry pursues investment boost and technology transfer in shipbuilding

The Ministry of Industry is pursuing strengthened investment and technology transfer in the shipbuilding industry, including through a strategic partnership with Russia. Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita stated that the cooperation is directed at increasing national maritime industry capacity, strengthening the competitiveness of domestic shipyards, and opening up joint production opportunities that can reach the ASEAN market. “Shipbuilding cooperation with Russia is an opportunity for Indonesia to strengthen maritime industry capacity through investment, technology transfer, human resource development, and production collaboration,” he said in a confirmed statement in Jakarta on Friday. The Minister noted that collaboration with Russia in the shipbuilding sector is expected to enhance the competitiveness of the national maritime industry while expanding Indonesia’s access to the ASEAN market. Indonesia views this cooperation as a strategic step to strengthen the domestic shipbuilding industry’s capabilities by utilising global industrial technology and experience. According to him, as an archipelagic nation with more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia has a significant need for a shipbuilding industry capable of supporting logistics distribution, inter-island transportation, the fisheries sector, offshore energy activities, and equitable economic development. On the other hand, Russia has extensive experience in shipbuilding industry development, ranging from commercial ship design and construction to propulsion system technology and maritime engineering. The advantages of both countries are considered complementary in building a more competitive shipbuilding industry. Furthermore, opportunities for cooperation have become more open following the signing of the Indonesia-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement (I-EAEU FTA), which is expected to strengthen trade, investment, industrial partnerships, and technology exchange between Indonesia and Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member countries. Previously, the Director General of Resilience, Territory, and International Industrial Access at the Ministry of Industry, Tri Supondy, stated in Ekaterinburg, Russia, on Wednesday (8/7/2026) that Indonesia and Russia possess complementary strengths in building a more competitive shipbuilding industry. According to him, Indonesia offers a large market and growing industrial capacity, while Russia has technological advantages and experience in developing various types of vessels.