Indonesia has officially received its first aircraft carrier, a former Italian vessel now renamed KRI Sriwijaya, to enhance disaster relief and defense.
Indonesia has officially expanded its naval capabilities with the arrival of its first aircraft carrier, a significant milestone in the nation's ongoing military modernization effort. The vessel, formerly known as the Giuseppe Garibaldi, arrived at the Tanjung Priok seaport in North Jakarta following a long voyage from Italy. The 180-meter ship was greeted with a formal military ceremony, marking a new chapter for the Indonesian Navy as it integrates the platform into its existing fleet.
Government officials have emphasized that the primary function of the newly acquired carrier will be to improve disaster response across the vast Indonesian archipelago. itary with the ability to rapidly deploy logistics, medical supplies, and personnel to remote or disaster-stricken regions that are otherwise difficult to access. This capability is seen as vital for a nation frequently impacted
Beyond humanitarian logistics, military leadership has acknowledged the strategic versatility of the vessel. While the focus remains on civilian support, naval officials confirmed that the ship is fully equipped for combat missions if the security situation requires such an intervention. The carrier, which will be renamed KRI Sriwijaya in honor of the historic Sumatran maritime empire, serves as both a symbolic and tactical upgrade for the Indonesian defense force.
The acquisition of the carrier is the result of a diplomatic and defense-oriented agreement between Jakarta and Rome. Retired from active service al finalized in March of this year. This arrangement serves dual purposes: it allows Italy to avoid the substantial costs associated with decommissioning the aging ship while fostering deeper defense ties between the two nations.
For Italy, the transfer is part of a broader strategy to engage in further defense-related trade with Indonesia, including potential deals for submarines and modern aircraft. The Indonesian Finance Ministry allocated $450 million in 2025 to support the program, covering the costs of acquisition and necessary upgrades. Despite some domestic concerns regarding the long-term maintenance costs and the total financial impact of the project, the government remains committed to the investment.
The arrival of the KRI Sriwijaya follows a series of aggressive moves s time as defense minister, Prabowo has prioritized the modernization of the armed forces to ensure national sovereignty and regional stability. This policy has led to significant procurement efforts across various branches of the military, signaling a shift toward a more robust defense posture.
In addition to the carrier, Indonesia has secured several high-profile defense contracts. This includes an $8.1 billion agreement for 42 French-made Rafale fighter jets and a deal with India for the supply of advanced long-range missiles. These acquisitions are complemented the United States and a security agreement with Australia, reflecting Indonesia's intent to diversify its military alliances and modernize its aging equipment.
