PT PAL to Finish Submarine Construction, Says Chief Minister

A third Indonesian submarine KRI Nagapasa 403 has begun to take shape..

Surabaya, East Java, 22 Jumadil Akhir 1438/21 March 2017 (MINA) – Chief Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Panjaitan expressed his confidence here on Monday that state-owned shipyard PT PAL Indonesia would be able to finish assembling the submarine ordered by the ministry of defense.

“Seeing the current process so far I am convinced PT PAL Indonesia will be able to build a submarine by itself later,” Antara quoted Luhut as saying after inspecting the submarine workshop at PT PAL Indonesia shipyard.

Luhut also praised and believed that the domestic shipyard is not inferior compared to those abroad as it has been proven it is able to export warships.

After inspecting the submarine workshop Luhut and entourage inspected the construction of a strategic sealift vessel (SSV) ordered by the Philippine ministry of defense which will soon be delivered.

“The construction is good. I should admit it,” he said.

The development of a submarine workshop is aimed at meeting the orders of the ministry of defense.

PT PAL Indonesia has been cooperating with South Korea with regard to construction of three submarines through training of Indonesian human resources in South Korea.

Of the three submarines ordered, one is totally assembled by the Indonesian workers while the fourth and following orders will be done fully by Indonesian workers.

One component which is the body of the ship constructed in cooperation with South Korea has already arrived and been at PT PAL Indonesia since March 20.

“Pak (Mr) Luhut just now also inspected the component and he expressed optimism Indonesia later would be able to build a submarine by itself,” PT PAL Indonesia spokesman Bayu Wicaksono said.

PT PAL Indonesia has sent 206 workers to undergo training in submarine construction in South Korea and it is hoped they will be able to build a submarine by themselves as they now have had its own infrastructure. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)