PT PAL Indonesia reaffirmed its position as a strategic partner for the international defense industry through the Launching Ceremony of the Future Landing Dock (LD)-603, the first of two Landing Docks ordered by the Philippine Navy. The ceremony, held at PT PAL Indonesia’s Orca Graving Dock, featured PT PAL Indonesia President Director Kaharuddin Djenod, Flag Officer in Command (FOIC) of the Philippine Navy Vice Admiral Jose Ma Ambrosio Q. Ezpeleta, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Lieutenant General Rommel P. Roldan, and high-ranking defense officials from both countries.
The launch of the LD-603 was crucial to the success of PT PAL Indonesia’s strategic export project. Construction of the hull was completed in just six months through the implementation of Industrial Maritime 4.0 (IM4), which integrates digital production processes, increased efficiency, and comprehensive quality control. The application of this technology accelerated the construction process without compromising the quality standards required by international customers.
The Future Landing Dock is the latest generation of landing transport ships designed to support a wide spectrum of operations, from amphibious operations, personnel and logistics transportation, maritime security, to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions. Following launch, the ship will undergo outfitting, port acceptance trials, and sea acceptance trials before being handed over to the Philippine Navy in 2026.
PT PAL Indonesia President Director, Kaharuddin Djenod, stated that the launch of Landing Dock-603 is not just a project milestone, but a symbol of the strong strategic partnership between Indonesia and the Philippines in strengthening the capabilities of industrial conservation areas.
“Tonight, this ship took to the skies for the first time, marking the launch of Landing Dock-603, the first of two ships we are building for the Philippine Navy. We are committed to maintaining customer trust by delivering high-quality products. Despite global geopolitical challenges that impacted the supply chain and caused some schedule adjustments, PT PAL was able to maintain optimal internal performance, minimizing the impact on project completion,” said Kaharuddin.
The Philippine Navy’s trust in PT PAL Indonesia is a continuation of a cooperative relationship that has existed for more than a decade. Previously, PT PAL successfully built two Strategic Sealift Vessels (SSVs), several Landing Craft Utility (LCUs), and completed the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) project for the BRP Tarlac-601 with a “Very Satisfactory” rating. This track record reinforces the desire for cooperation between the two parties to support the modernization of the Philippine Navy’s fleet.
The Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy, Vice Admiral Jose Ma Ambrosio Q. Ezpeleta, expressed his appreciation for PT PAL Indonesia’s professionalism in meeting the needs of the Philippine Navy’s fleet. “This vessel will significantly enhance our ability to transport personnel, equipment, and logistics throughout the Philippine archipelago. Furthermore, this vessel will provide greater connectivity in supporting amphibious operations, maritime security operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions,” he said.
He added that this success is inextricably linked to the contributions of PT PAL Indonesia. “This important milestone would not have been possible without the support of our partner, PT PAL Indonesia, which has demonstrated its expertise and strong commitment to quality in realizing this project. On behalf of the entire Philippine Navy, I express my appreciation and gratitude to the management and all personnel of PT PAL Indonesia,” he stated.
Echoing this sentiment, Lieutenant General Rommel P. Roldan, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, emphasized that the procurement of the Landing Dock is a strategic investment in strengthening his country’s maritime capabilities. “The procurement of this Landing Dock is a strategic investment in strengthening our nation’s maritime capabilities. Once delivered and officially commissioned, this vessel will enhance the Philippine Navy’s capabilities in conducting military sealift operations (sealift), humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, amphibious operations, and various other strategic operations,” he explained.
As a token of appreciation for PT PAL Indonesia’s contribution to supporting the modernization of the Philippines’ maritime forces, the Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy presented an award to the President Director of PT PAL Indonesia. The award symbolizes the strong trust placed in the Philippine Navy and acknowledges PT PAL’s quality, professionalism, and consistency in providing maritime defense solutions that meet international standards.
The renewed trust placed in PT PAL Indonesia demonstrates the national defense industry’s globally recognized competitiveness. Supported by mastery of warship construction technology, modern shipyard infrastructure, the implementation of Industrial Maritime 4.0, and human resource development through continuous technology transfer, PT PAL continues to strengthen Indonesia’s maritime defense industry capabilities while expanding strategic partnerships in the Southeast Asian region.
The launch of the Future Landing Dock LD-603 is more than just a shipbuilding project. This milestone reflects the success of Indonesia’s defense industry diplomacy and reinforces PT PAL Indonesia’s position as a reliable and trusted defense industry partner capable of delivering world-class maritime solutions to friendly nations.