Indonesia and UK strike maritime deal to build 1,500 fishing vessels

President Prabowo Subianto has unveiled a new strategic partnership with the United Kingdom, identifying the country as a pivotal ally capable of providing the technological and financial muscle needed to drive Indonesia’s economic growth.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto delivers a press statement in London, United Kingdom, on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. During the briefing, President Prabowo highlighted a new strategic partnership with the UK, focusing on a major maritime investment to build 1,500 fishing vessels and deepening educational cooperation in digital technology to ensure Indonesia's human resources reach global standards. Source: YouTube/Sekretariat Presiden

LONDON — Speaking after high-level talks with the British Prime Minister in London on Tuesday, Prabowo emphasised that the UK’s advanced industrial capabilities and robust finance sector make it an ideal partner for the archipelago’s ambitious development plans.

"We view the UK, England, as a partner that can participate significantly in our economy. They have the technology, they have very strong finance," the President told reporters. He added that the British government has expressed a firm interest in increasing investment across several Indonesian sectors, a move he believes will deliver mutual benefits for both nations.

A central pillar of the new agreement focuses on the maritime industry. Prabowo confirmed that the UK will support Indonesia’s plan to construct an initial fleet of 1,500 fishing vessels. The large-scale investment is designed to modernise traditional fishing villages and improve the quality of life for coastal communities.

The President also highlighted a public health dimension to the maritime push, noting that Indonesia’s current protein consumption remains "too low". "We want to increase the protein consumption of our people. This is very strategic for us; it will accelerate our economic growth, especially in the maritime field," he said, reminding observers that three-quarters of Indonesia’s territory consists of ocean.

The partnership also extends to higher education, with Prabowo seeking to deepen ties with elite British universities. Several UK institutions already maintain collaborations with major Indonesian universities, such as the University of Indonesia and Gadjah Mada, and have established physical campuses in Singosari and Bandung.

Prabowo stated that the focus of educational cooperation would be on digital and technological fields to bridge the skills gap in the domestic workforce. "We want to accelerate, we want to catch up. We must have a level of education as high as possible, on par with the best in the world," he said.