Full Breakdown
Indonesia Welcomes First Aircraft Carrier, Former Italian Warship
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Core Event – Arrival and Renaming
On 17 September, the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) announced that the former Italian Navy aircraft carrier ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi entered Indonesian waters. The vessel, slated to be renamed KRI Sriwijaya, is scheduled to arrive at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta on the morning of 18 September. It will be featured in the Indonesian National Armed Forces’ anniversary celebrations on 5 October.
Background & Context
The 41-year-old Giuseppe Garibaldi was retired by Italy in 2024. In March 2026, Italy agreed to transfer the ship to Indonesia as part of a broader defence-engagement initiative, seeking future submarine and aircraft deals while avoiding decommissioning costs. President Prabowo Subianto has made expanding the military a top priority, including purchases of submarines, frigates, fighter jets, and missiles.
Data & Statistics
- Length: 180 m (590 ft).
- Capacity: up to 18 helicopters and 830 personnel (navy spokesperson).
- Financing: Indonesia’s Finance Ministry approved US$450 million for the carrier programme in 2025.
- Retrofit cost estimate: 16 trillion rupiah (?US$900 million) according to MP TB Hasanuddin.
Official Statements & Responses
Admiral Muhammad Ali, Indonesian Navy chief, said the ship will primarily support “military operations other than war” such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, while also being deployable for combat missions if required. He projected a service life of 15-20 years.
President Prabowo Subianto, speaking at a disaster-management meeting, emphasized the carrier’s role in combating forest and peatland fires, noting its ability to host up to ten medium-size helicopters and transport large volumes of water to fire-affected areas.
Italy’s defence ministry framed the transfer as a step to deepen bilateral security cooperation and to facilitate future procurement of submarines and aircraft.
Criticism & Opposition
Muhammad Fauzan Malufti of the Center for Strategic and International Studies warned that the acquisition must be justified by genuine operational needs rather than national pride, citing concerns over the vessel’s age and long-term sustainment costs.
Khairul Fahmi of the Institute for Security and Strategic Studies argued that Indonesia’s priority should be submarines, frigates, and asymmetric weapons to protect maritime sovereignty, though he acknowledged that a carrier could serve as a symbol of national power and a multifunctional platform.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Some reports state the carrier will be renamed KRI Sriwijaya, referencing the historic Srivijaya maritime kingdom. Other reports indicate it will be commissioned as KRI Gajah Mada, named after a 14th-century Majapahit leader. Sources do not clarify which name will be final.
The precise timeline for full commissioning and integration into operational fleets remains unspecified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The plan to acquire the Garibaldi must be based on genuine operational needs and our ability to operate it, rather than being driven by pride or other considerations,” — Muhammad Fauzan Malufti
- “The bottom line is that this should not be forced. Otherwise, the benefits could be outweighed by the costs,” — Muhammad Fauzan
What's Next
The carrier is scheduled to join the national celebration on 5 October. Further joint inter-service helicopter training on the ship’s mock-up deck is planned, and Indonesia is expected to finalize the retrofitting programme in the coming months.