Indonesia has taken a significant step toward modernizing its naval forces with the commissioning of KRI Bung Karno (369), the country’s first warship equipped with hybrid propulsion. The vessel is based on the SIGMA 10514 design and was locally constructed by PT PAL Indonesia in collaboration with Dutch shipbuilder Damen. This milestone reflects Indonesia’s growing emphasis on indigenous defense production and energy-efficient maritime capabilities.
KRI Bung Karno (369): A New Flagship for Indonesia’s Green Fleet
The newly commissioned KRI Bung Karno (369) is a multi-role guided-missile frigate designed under the Damen SIGMA (Ship Integrated Geometrical Modularity Approach) 10514 platform. The vessel was officially inducted into service during a ceremony at Surabaya Naval Base on October 5, 2025. Notably, it is the first Indonesian surface combatant to feature a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system—an innovation intended to reduce acoustic signature and fuel consumption while enhancing operational endurance.
The ship measures approximately 105 meters in length with a displacement of around 2,365 tons. It is crewed by approximately 120 personnel and is optimized for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-air warfare (AAW), and surface warfare (SUW) missions. Its modular design allows for future upgrades across combat systems and mission payloads.
Hybrid Propulsion System: CODOE Configuration Explained
KRI Bung Karno employs a Combined Diesel or Electric (CODOE) propulsion system—a configuration that enables the vessel to operate either on diesel engines or electric motors depending on mission requirements. This setup includes two diesel engines driving controllable pitch propellers for high-speed transits and two electric motors powered by generators for silent cruising during ASW operations or low-speed patrols.
- Diesel Engines: MTU-series engines providing high output for transit speeds up to ~28 knots.
- Electric Motors: Low-noise operation ideal for sonar performance during ASW missions.
- Fuel Efficiency: Electric mode significantly reduces fuel consumption during loitering or surveillance tasks.
- Reduced Acoustic Signature: Critical advantage against submarines in littoral environments.
This propulsion architecture aligns with broader naval trends emphasizing energy efficiency and reduced detectability—particularly relevant given Indonesia’s archipelagic geography and need for persistent maritime domain awareness across vast EEZ zones.
Damen-PT PAL Partnership: Technology Transfer & Local Industry Boost
The construction of KRI Bung Karno underscores Indonesia’s commitment to defense industrial autonomy under its “Minimum Essential Force” roadmap. The vessel was built at PT PAL’s shipyard in Surabaya under license from Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS), leveraging technology transfer agreements initiated during earlier SIGMA-class programs such as KRI Raden Eddy Martadinata (331).
Damen provided design blueprints, engineering support, and critical subsystems integration expertise while PT PAL executed hull fabrication, outfitting, and final assembly. This cooperation strengthens local shipbuilding competencies and supports long-term sustainment through domestic MRO capabilities.
The program also benefited from previous experience building four Martadinata-class frigates between 2014–2021 under similar co-production arrangements. These efforts form part of Jakarta’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers while bolstering regional deterrence through indigenous platforms tailored to local operational needs.
Combat Systems & Mission Capabilities
KRI Bung Karno is equipped with a suite of modern sensors and weapon systems suitable for multi-threat environments:
- Main Gun: Bofors Mk3 or OTO Melara Super Rapid naval gun (~76 mm)
- SAM Launcher: Vertical Launch System (VLS) prepared; likely future integration of VL MICA or CAMM
- AShM: Exocet MM40 Block III or Chinese-origin C-802 missiles depending on procurement path
- Torpedo Tubes: Lightweight torpedoes launched from twin tubes amidships
- Sensors: Thales SMART-S Mk2 radar; hull-mounted sonar; electronic support measures suite
- CIC & CMS: Integrated Combat Management System enabling real-time threat tracking & engagement coordination
- Aviation Facilities: Flight deck & hangar supporting medium helicopters such as AS565 Panther or AW139
This configuration allows the ship to conduct independent patrols as well as integrate into task groups alongside other TNI-AL assets such as Makassar-class LPDs or Martadinata-class frigates. The hybrid propulsion further enhances its suitability for prolonged low-intensity operations like EEZ enforcement or counter-piracy missions without sacrificing high-speed response capability when needed.
Southeast Asian Context: Strategic Implications of Hybrid Adoption
The induction of KRI Bung Karno comes amid heightened maritime tensions in Southeast Asia—particularly around contested areas like the Natuna Sea where China’s expansive claims overlap with Indonesia’s EEZ. By fielding quieter vessels with longer endurance profiles, Indonesia enhances its ability to maintain persistent presence without escalating confrontation.
No other ASEAN navy currently operates large surface combatants with hybrid-electric drive systems—placing TNI-AL ahead regionally in terms of green naval technology adoption. While Singapore fields advanced stealthy platforms like Formidable-class frigates, they rely on conventional gas turbines/diesel engines rather than CODOE architectures optimized for silent ops over extended durations.
This move could influence regional procurement patterns as other littoral states evaluate options balancing cost-efficiency with survivability against submarine threats posed by regional actors including Vietnam’s Kilo-class fleet or China’s expanding SSN/SSK presence south of Hainan Island.
