High-Speed Patrol Boats Cement Japan-Indonesia Maritime Security Pact.

According to information published by Kyodo News on January 11, 2025, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced that Japan will supply high-speed patrol boats to Indonesia. The agreement was finalized during talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Bogor, south of Jakarta. The patrol boats will be delivered under Japan’s defense assistance program, which seeks to strengthen ties with strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific region. This initiative is part of an expanding defense relationship rooted in a 2021 bilateral agreement on the transfer of defense equipment and technology.
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Japanese Coast Guard's Hida-class patrol vessel Kiso. (Picture source: Japanese Gov)

The agreement comes amid growing geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific, particularly concerning China’s expanding influence in the South China Sea—a critical global trade route. Japan’s strong relations with Indonesia and other ASEAN nations are viewed as pivotal to maintaining stability in the region.

Indonesia, with its resource-rich archipelago located along the vital Strait of Malacca, plays a crucial role in regional security and global trade. Japan’s provision of patrol boats is expected to enhance Indonesia’s maritime surveillance and law enforcement capabilities in these strategically important waters.

Japanese policy

Japan has been actively providing patrol boats to various countries as part of its Official Security Assistance (OSA) program, aiming to enhance maritime security and strengthen regional cooperation. This initiative reflects Japan's commitment to supporting the enforcement and prevention of terrorism, piracy, and other maritime threats in developing countries, in line with the principles outlined in its Official Development Assistance (ODA) Charter.

In November 2024, Japan committed to supplying patrol boats to the Bangladeshi Navy. This assistance is expected to enhance Bangladesh's monitoring, surveillance, and disaster relief capabilities, contributing to maritime security in the Bay of Bengal.

In November 2024, Japan agreed to provide coastal radar systems to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly the Philippine Navy. This support is anticipated to strengthen the Philippines' coastal surveillance and maritime domain awareness. In December 2024, Japan extended its assistance by providing patrol boats and related equipment to Fiji and monitoring and surveillance equipment to Malaysia.

This policy also underscores Japan's evolving stance on arms exports, traditionally constrained by strict regulations. Exceptions have been made to facilitate the export of patrol vessels, particularly for missions aligned with international peace and security objectives.