January 21, 2026 | 03:05 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto claims to have secured support from the UK to build 1,500 fishing vessels, aimed at enhancing the country's maritime economy.
Prabowo shared this information after meeting with the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, London, on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 local time. "In the maritime sector, they (the UK) will support our plan to build 1,500 fishing vessels," said Prabowo in a statement from the Presidential Secretariat on social media.
Prabowo shared hopes that the maritime deal will accelerate the economic growth in Indonesia. "This is very strategic for us. It will be a vital part of our maritime economic development," said the Grindra Party chair.
He emphasized that the majority of Indonesia's territory consists of ocean, meaning the government aims to bolster seafood consumption. "I remind you, three-quarters of our homeland consists of ocean, and the protein consumption by our people remains low, we hope to improve that," Prabowo said.
During his visit to the UK, Prabowo discussed maritime cooperation with the UK-Based defense firm, Babcock, and with PM Keir Starmer. When meeting Starmer, Prabowo expressed his appreciation for the Indonesia-UK partnership in the maritime sector.
"I met with the CEO of Babcock. We are very excited to continue this maritime partnership. I think this will be very important and strategic for Indonesia. I believe this will be a crucial part of our maritime economic development," Prabowo said in his one-on-one meeting with Starmer.
During the meeting, Starmer also underscored the maritime ties between Indonesia and the UK. "Thank you also for the maritime agreement that we have signed, albeit virtually at the G20," he said, adding that the importance is measured through the number of jobs created in the country.
Starmer mentioned that he and Prabowo had a lot of topics to discuss. "Including education, which you were passionate about last time," he said.
Read: Prabowo Meets PM Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street
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