Navy to use local steel for warships

JAKARTA: The Indonesian Navy pledged on Thursday its commitment to prioritize the use of locally made steel to build new warships or maintain the existing ones.

"The Navy has more than 100 warships which are constructed of steel," Navy chief of staff's assistant for logistic affairs, Rear Adm. Sudaryanto said when signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with steelmaker PT Krakatau Steel.

"This is part of our efforts to procure our warships from local shipyards without compromising our technical and quality requirements," Sudaryanto said.

He added that local industries would also be involved in the construction of warships built in shipyards abroad.

Meanwhile, PT Krakatau Steel president Daenulhay said the MOU was more than a public relations exercise.

"We will cooperate to further develop the defense industry," he said. -- JP