Navy to use local steel for warships

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