Defense Minister: Grant Patrol Vessels From Japan Will Be Placed At IKN

JAKARTA - Minister of Defense (Menhan) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said two patrol boats from Japan would be stationed in the capital city of Nusantara (IKN).

"I heard from the KSAL (Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy) that it will be projected at IKN," said Sjafrie as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, February 4.

In addition, he said the grant ship would be equipped with weapons belonging to the Indonesian Navy.

"This grant ship is not equipped with weapons. So, it will be installed by Indonesia, the Indonesian Navy. We also have domestically produced weapons, and God willing, we will complete this," he said.

The Defense Minister emphasized that the ship is the main weapon system (alutsista) that has just been produced in Japan, not used.

The Japanese government, he said, through the Official Security Assistance (OSA) provided a newly produced patrol boat grant as assistance to friendly countries.

"So, not only Indonesia. The Japanese government has also given grants to the Philippines, Malaysia, Bangladesh and Fiji in 2023, but the material is not used, the material is new, and this patrol boat is made in Japan itself," he explained.

After the meeting, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto confirmed that the Defense Minister's statement that the two patrol boats would be stationed at IKN.

"In IKN, yes, the waters in Kalimantan," said Agus.

IKN is the location chosen because it considers a small grant ship, so it can maneuver in the river.

The ship has a length of 18 meters, a width of 5 meters, and a speed of 40 knots, and has a capacity of two crew members and 14 passengers.