Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and REPUBLIKORP, Indonesia’s largest privately owned defense industrial holding company, through its subsidiary PT Republik Palindo Internasional (RPAL), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a strategic partnership to build naval vessels in Indonesia.
The MoU, signed by Eugenio Santagata , General Manager of Fincantieri Naval Vessels Division, and Norman Joesoef , group Chairman and Founder of REPUBLIKORP on behalf of RPAL, provides for the creation of a joint venture aimed at supporting Indonesia’s domestic shipbuilding capabilities and fostering a long-term industrial cooperation.
This new industrial partnership is set to advance Indonesia’s naval shipbuilding ambitions through a programme centred on local construction of advanced surface and sub-surface combatants tailored to the country’s geographic and operational requirements.
Under the envisaged joint venture, Indonesia would expand its domestic shipbuilding capacity to support the production of a broad portfolio of vessels, including landing platform docks and landing helicopter docks (LPDs/LHDs), multi-role frigates and corvettes intended for high-end deterrence missions, offshore patrol vessels for Exclusive Economic Zone enforcement, fast attack craft, and submarines.
The agreement places strong emphasis on structured technology transfer and the gradual development of indigenous capabilities.
Drawing on the expertise of Fincantieri, the initiative is expected to be implemented through engineering collaboration, workforce training, and the progressive development of local proficiency in ship design, systems integration, and production processes.
Beyond platform delivery, the partnership is designed to build a broader industrial ecosystem by strengthening Indonesia’s supplier base and integrating local industry more deeply into global shipbuilding value chains. It also outlines closer industrial and operational cooperation aimed at reinforcing Indonesia’s long-term maritime capabilities.
“ Building on our established cooperation with the Indonesian Navy, this MoU marks a further step in strengthening a long-term strategic partnership between Fincantieri and Indonesia. By leveraging our expertise in high-complex naval shipbuilding and system integration, we are committed to supporting the development of local industrial capabilities and contributing to a more resilient maritime ecosystem. At the same time, this initiative reflects our commitment to developing sustainable industrial capabilities in Indonesia ,” Pierroberto Folgiero , CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri commented.
“ Exploring this partnership reflects our commitment to advancing Indonesia’s defense industry independence while building a strong and balanced international collaboration. Together with Fincantieri, we see an opportunity to strengthen Indonesia’s maritime capabilities, develop national talent, and contribute to a more resilient regional defense ecosystem ,” added Joesoef.
Last year, Fincantieri delivered the first of two multi-mission combat ships (MPCS/PPA) to the Indonesian Navy. Originally built as the fifth and sixth units for the Italian Navy, the two MPCSs, KRI BRAWIJAYA-320 and KRI PRABU SILIWANGI-321, are part of the contract signed by the company in 2024, valued at approximately €1.18 billion.