VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy, Admiral Muhammad Ali, delivering a press statement after the launch of two domestically manufactured offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) in Bandarlampung, Lampung province, on Friday (September 20, 2024). (ANTARA/Dian Hadiyatna)

VOI News, Jakarta: The Indonesian Navy is helping support the domestic industry by involving it in the modernization of defense equipment.

As quoted by Antara News Agency on Friday (20/9), Navy Chief of Staff, Admiral Muhammad Ali, delivered the remarks after inducting two domestically manufactured offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) into the naval fleet.

"It shows our support for the domestic shipping industry, as 75 percent of the materials in the construction of these ships are all from within the country," he conveyed at the launch of the new ships at a shipyard in Bandar Lampung city, Lampung, on Friday.

The construction of OPV warships is a strategic step taken by the Navy and the Ministry of Defense to increase operational capacity and capability in facing increasingly complex maritime threats, he informed.

"Of course, as a maritime country with great maritime potential, Indonesia cannot escape from various consequences as well as strategic challenges," he explained.

Indonesia's geographical location and marine wealth have made the archipelago vulnerable to maritime security disturbances, Navy Chief of Staff pointed out.

"It includes violations of territory and natural resources. To face these challenges, the Indonesian Navy continues to strive to strengthen and build its strength," Ali expounded.

Therefore, the Navy will continue to modernize its equipment to maintain the sovereignty and security of Indonesian waters.

"The defense equipment modernization program is also in line with the long-term strategic plan that aims to realize a modern Indonesian Navy that is regionally fearsome and has global projections," Ali said.

The Navy has strengthened its combat fleet by adding two OPV warships made by the domestic shipping industry — KRI Lukas Rumkorem-392 and KRI Raja Haji Fisabilillah-391.

The two OPVs will operate at Koamarda III in the eastern waters of Papua.