International defence company, Babcock, together with the British Embassy Jakarta, British Chamber of Commerce and Indonesian partners, formally launched the Maritime Partnership Programme (MPP) at an event in Jakarta. This  flagship agreement will deepen UK–Indonesia cooperation across maritime defence, fisheries, industrial capability and skills development. 

Newcastle University is one of the leading universities, industry partners and key programme stakeholders involved in four Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) signed with Babcock. The MOUs span workforce development, education, scholarships, and industrial capability –supporting Indonesia’s maritime goals and the delivery of the MPP.  

Among the agreements is a partnership of Babcock with six UK and Indonesian universities which will build maritime education and skills capacity aligned to MPP capability priorities, enabling education, research and innovation opportunities.  

In addition, Babcock will fund 30 UK Government Chevening Scholarships for Indonesian students over three years, supporting future maritime and industrial leaders.  

Deepening the UK’s global education and research partnerships

The MOUs reflect a deliberate strategy to invest across the full spectrum of Indonesia’s maritime development and builds on the £4bn UK-Indonesia maritime deal signed in November 2025, reinforcing commitments under the UK-Indonesia Strategic Partnership launched by President Prabowo Subianto and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in London on 20 January 2026. 

Professor Li Li, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Global, Newcastle University, said: “The Maritime Partnership Programme represents an important step in deepening the UK’s global education and research partnerships, and Newcastle University is proud to be part of this consortium. Through our collaboration with Babcock and our academic partners, we are strengthening international links that support Indonesia’s maritime ambitions and create meaningful opportunities for students, researchers and industry. 

“By working together to co-develop programmes, enable knowledge exchange and build a connected international skills ecosystem, we are helping to develop future talent and support long-term, sustainable maritime capability. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to global collaboration and will deliver lasting benefits for Indonesia, the UK and the wider world.” 

British Ambassador to Indonesia, Dominic Jermey CVO OBE, said: “The Maritime Partnership Programme is the Strategic Partnership in action, an example of how our strong international relationships are delivering real benefit for people at home in jobs, opportunity and growth. It highlights the UK and Indonesia’s shared commitment to stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, upholding freedom of navigation and supporting a rules-based international order. 

“Together we are strengthening maritime resilience, supporting industry, and expanding opportunities for the next generation of Indonesian leaders. This is a partnership built on shared ambition, one that will deliver lasting benefits for Indonesia and the UK. Diplomasi, Kolaborasi dan Prestasi!” 

Adapted with thanks from the British Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia and Babcock. Read the original press release.