An Indonesian private ship design company, Terafulk Megantara Design, showcased a new 120-metre Landing Ship Tank (LST) design to meet the Indonesian Navy’s (TNI AL) modernization requirements during Indo Defence 2025. The company shared computer renderings of the new LST exclusively with Naval News.
According to details shared with Naval News, the design is based on the Bintuni-class LST, which was built domestically and has been in service since 2015, and the older Semangka-class LSTs constructed in the 1980s by Korea-Tacoma Shipyard (now Hanjin Heavy Industries) for TNI AL. Terafulk emphasized that the new LST offers improved capabilities and is heavily influenced by direct inputs from TNI AL, with operational feedback and mission-specific requirements playing a central role throughout the design process.
At 120 meters long, the LST is 300 tonnes heavier than the Bintuni-class, with an overall larger storage space and a more compact superstructure. Notably, it includes a dedicated hangar that can accommodate one medium-sized helicopter, a capability absent in the Bintuni-class.
The vessel is designed to accommodate up to 15 BMP-3F infantry fighting vehicles, four trucks, and 474 personnel (114 crew members, 350 troops, and 10 aviation personnel). Terafulk also stated that the ship could technically transport heavier combat vehicles, including the Indonesian Army’s Leopard 2 main battle tanks.
The ship could carry four 12-meter Landing Craft Vehicle and Personnel (LCVPs), each of which can transport around 25 fully equipped soldiers. The LCVPs are positioned on the forward mission deck ahead of the bridge rather than placed along the sides of the superstructure, as seen in the Bintuni-class. This configuration provides more internal space, allows for unobstructed access to the stern well and helicopter deck, and is supposedly designed to simplify the operation of the LCVPs.
Propulsion is provided by twin diesel engines, delivering a top speed of 16 knots and a range of approximately 6,200 nautical miles, with an endurance of up to 20 days at sea. For self-defense, the LST is equipped with two 40mm cannons, which can also be used for naval gunfire support, as well as two 12.7mm machine guns and decoy systems.
According to Terafulk, the company has acquired approval in principle for the new LST design. Once production begins, Terafulk plans not only to provide the design to participating shipyards but also to offer shipbuilding-related recommendations on how to construct the vessels most effectively.
Naval News understands that one of the key aspects of the new LST program is standardization. This comes after the Bintuni-class experience, where nine ships currently in service—though built under the same class—were produced by different shipyards and show variations in characteristics and dimensions.
At this time, there is no confirmed timeline for when construction will start and the number of vessels the Navy plans to acquire. To note, TNI AL is still operating 15 old LSTs, including 11 ex-East German Navy Frosch-class LSTs built in the 1970s.
New Design and Export Targets
Terafulk shared with Naval News that it will design a new 28-metre coastal and riverine armored assault boat, as well as a 60-metre fast patrol ship, for the Indonesian Navy. Terafulk also stated that it had entered discussions with at least two undisclosed Southeast Asian customers for a replenishment oiler and a 90-metre offshore patrol vessel (OPV).
