Established in 2013 by Founder Norman Joesoef, PT Republik Korpora Indonesia (REPUBLIKORP) has grown into a cornerstone of Indonesia’s defense ecosystem. Closely aligned with national security priorities, the company develops advanced land, naval, aerospace and cyber systems with a focus on strengthening long-term national capability in pursuit of a wider goal: “Our aspiration is to serve and protect the country,” Joesoef says.
This vision is reflected in REPUBLIKORP’s strategic international collaborations. A key milestone is the partnership with leading Turkish defense companies Baykar Makina and Roketsan, formalized through two joint venture agreements. The signing of the agreements, witnessed by President Prabowo Subianto and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, highlights both nations’ commitment to strengthening defense capabilities through local manufacturing and technology transfer. The agreement between Baykar Makina and REPUBLIKORP focuses on establishing a joint venture company for the production, assembly and maintenance of advanced UAV systems in Indonesia.
This initiative aligns with REPUBLIKORP’s broader global strategy. A landmark $7-billion agreement with the UAE’s EDGE Group, signed in November 2025, further reinforces this direction. The deal includes technology transfer, co-development initiatives, localized production and the modernization of Indonesia’s armed forces.
“The co-creation model is a strong example for countries trying to catch up in technology and infrastructure,” Joesoef notes. “It puts the country on the map and places the company on the global stage.
Guided by Indonesia’s values of togetherness and consensus-driven decision-making, REPUBLIKORP maintains a strong collaborative approach. At the same time, the rapidly evolving nature of modern warfare underscores the importance of continuous innovation at the core of its strategy. “What we will face in the next five years will be completely different from what we faced three or four years ago,” Joesoef says.
That extends to ambitions in spaceport development, where Joesoef sees significant opportunity for U.S. partnerships. “We have a short distance to orbit, which can improve commercial efficiency,” he explains. “That final frontier can be addressed and explored further between the U.S. and Indonesia.”
“We are operating at the right moment, with the right geopolitical backdrop.”
Norman Joesoef Chairman and Founder, Republikorp
Post ThisAgainst a backdrop of shifting geopolitics, REPUBLIKORP’s founder outlines his strategy for growth and Indonesia’s advantages as a partner in the defense sector.
Q: How has REPUBLIKORP evolved under your leadership?
Over the last five years, the global landscape, especially in defense, has changed significantly. We are operating at the right moment, with the right geopolitical backdrop.
The key is to adapt faster, learn more and avoid a business-as-usual mindset. We focus on understanding the details: what is happening, what is changing and what is needed. Then we innovate on the correct path, efficiently, economically and with maximum effectiveness.
Q: How significant is the agreement with EDGE Group for REPUBLIKORP’s future?
The contract is mutually beneficial. There is investment in infrastructure, human resources, people-to-people connections and much more. It is a spectacular model. Cooperation between emerging markets and developed markets should happen more often.
Q: Where do you see scope for collaboration with U.S. partners?
Indonesia’s demographic bonus and growing human resources, along with a population close to 300 million, create strong interest on both sides. From a supply chain and distance perspective, partnerships in Indonesia provide a strong industrial backbone in the Asian theater, whether or not conflict occurs. That reduces logistical burdens, including moving equipment.
