Indonesia has taken delivery of its first aircraft carrier, marking a significant addition to the country’s naval capabilities as President Prabowo Subianto pushes to modernise the military.
The 41year old vessel, formerly operated by the Italian Navy as Giuseppe Garibaldi, arrived at Tanjung Priok port in North Jakarta on Friday after sailing from Italy through Colombo and the Malacca Strait.
Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Muhammad Ali said the carrier would primarily be used for disaster response operations, particularly to help deliver supplies to remote areas using helicopters.
“There are numerous disasters in this country, so we need a vessel or platform capable of carrying several helicopters, as they can quickly deliver logistics to remote areas,” Ali said.
The 180-metre vessel can accommodate up to 830 personnel and carry as many as 18 helicopters, according to the Indonesian Navy.
The ship is expected to be renamed KRI Sriwijaya, after the Srivijaya Empire, a powerful maritime kingdom that was based in Sumatra and dominated parts of Southeast Asia between the seventh and 13th centuries.
Although Indonesian authorities have emphasised the carrier’s humanitarian role, Ali said it could also “be deployed for combat missions if necessary”, highlighting its potential military function.
The vessel was commissioned by Italy in 1985 and retired from service in 2024. Italy agreed in March 2026 to transfer the carrier to Indonesia as part of efforts to strengthen defence cooperation between the two countries.
The arrangement also allows Italy to avoid the costs associated with decommissioning the vessel, while Rome is pursuing potential defence agreements with Indonesia involving submarines and aircraft.
Ali said the ship remained in good condition and could serve the Indonesian Navy for up to two decades.
“Its condition is still very good and hopefully it can be used by the Indonesian navy for the next 15 to 20 years,” he said.
Indonesia’s Finance Ministry approved $450 million in financing for the carrier programme in 2025, although opposition politicians have raised concerns that the overall cost could eventually be significantly higher.
The acquisition comes as Prabowo, a former general and former defence minister, makes strengthening Indonesia’s military capabilities and expanding international security cooperation a priority.
While serving as defence minister in 2022, Prabowo oversaw an $8.1 billion agreement for Indonesia to acquire 42 French-made Rafale fighter jets.
Indonesia has also expanded its defence ties with other countries, including India, which confirmed this year that it would provide Jakarta with long-range missiles.
The country has further strengthened its international defence relationships by agreeing to a “Major Defence Cooperation Partnership” with the United States under President Donald Trump and signing a security treaty with Australia.
Goodness Anunobi
Follow us on:
