Indonesia to Intensify Frigate Acquisition Talks with Japan

Indonesia is ramping up high-level talks with Japan over the joint development and production of a customized variant of Japanese Mogami-class frigates for its navy, the country’s ambassador to Tokyo has confirmed.

Speaking to The Japan Times, Ambassador Heri Akhmadi said that negotiations are gaining momentum under Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, with the planned acquisition of a customized version of Japan’s Mogami-class frigates remaining a top priority.

“Given our increasingly close connections to Japan, we would also like to work closer together on such systems through technology transfers,” Akhmadi said.

Japan’s proposal, reportedly valued at around ¥300 billion, includes building four frigates in Japan and another four at Indonesia’s state-owned shipyard PT PAL. The program would be backed by loans from Japan, although Indonesian law requires 10% to 20% of the project cost to be funded upfront — a sticking point that contributed to delays under the previous administration.

The revival of discussions follows earlier visits to Jakarta this year by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Defense Minister Gen Nakatani. The issue will also be a focus when Japan’s Chief of Staff Yoshihide Yoshida visits Indonesia later this month.

The two sides are also discussing technology transfer mechanisms that could allow Indonesia greater access to key systems on the Mogami-class vessels. These include radar and electronic warfare systems, some of which Japan is co-developing with India for use in Indian Navy warships.

Although Indonesia has already placed naval orders with European partners, interoperability and long-term strategic alignment are major considerations. Japan’s recent easing of defense export controls may further help the frigate deal move forward.

Beyond naval cooperation, Japan and Indonesia have also increased joint exercises, including this year’s Super Garuda Shield drills, which will see Japan’s largest-ever Self-Defense Forces presence, with over 250 personnel and a warship.

Additional discussions between the two governments include the potential transfer of decommissioned Soryu-class submarines to Indonesia and expanding maritime domain awareness through patrol boat deliveries and training under Japan’s new military aid framework.

At the broader strategic level, Tokyo and Jakarta are also finalizing agreements on critical minerals, with a comprehensive pact expected soon to support Indonesia’s nickel-based battery supply chain — an area where both nations seek to reduce dependence on China.