Hexa-Helix collaboration model for strengthening the maritime defense industry in eastern Indonesia: A strategic policy analysis

Abstract

Background: Indonesia’s position as the world’s largest archipelagic state with vast maritime territory places it at the center of the Indo-Pacific region’s complex geopolitical dynamics. Despite abundant marine resources, eastern Indonesia still struggles with uneven infrastructure, weak surveillance, and threats such as IUU Fishing and undersea sabotage. This article examines how the Hexa-Helix Collaboration Model-expanding beyond the traditional Triple Helix-can serve as an innovative governance framework to strengthen the maritime defense industry in eastern Indonesia, ensuring balanced development and adaptive resilience. Method: The analysis employs a qualitative literature review method, synthesizing global best practices and relevant case studies. Key topics include the implementation of smart port technologies, Digital Twin shipyard modernization, cybersecurity risk management, community empowerment, and regional security strategies aligned with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. Results: The study finds that integrating government, military, academia, industry, local communities, and media fosters inclusive policy-making, enhances surveillance capabilities, promotes economic diversification in coastal villages, and bridges inter-agency coordination gaps. Practical recommendations include establishing a national Maritime Data Hub, adopting advanced subsea monitoring technologies, and ensuring that digital transformation aligns with human capital development. Conclusion: The Hexa-Helix Collaboration Model offers a practical, adaptive pathway for Indonesia to transform its eastern maritime regions into self-reliant defense and logistics hubs. By combining technological innovation, community participation, and evidence-based governance, Indonesia can realize its vision as a resilient Global Maritime Fulcrum amid intensifying Indo-Pacific competition. Novelty/Originality of this article:The novelty of this article lies in the application of the Hexa-Helix Collaboration Model as a governance framework for the maritime defense industry, an area rarely explored in Indonesian strategic studies. Keywords: Maritime Security, Hexa-Helix, Indo-Pacific, Smart Port, Digital Twin, IUU Fishing, Coastal Governance, Subsea Infrastructure, Indonesi