Indonesia commissions former Italian warship as first aircraft carrier
Indonesia’s navy unveiled its first aircraft carrier, the KRI Sriwijaya‑100, after acquiring the former Italian ship Giuseppe Garibaldi. The vessel will serve as a mobile command hub for helicopters, drones and maritime operations, and will also support disaster response efforts such as fighting fo…
By Felo News Desk · Published
On Thursday, Indonesia’s navy formally commissioned the KRI Sriwijaya‑100, the country’s first aircraft carrier, after receiving the former Italian warship Giuseppe Garibaldi. The ceremony took place at the Tanjung Priok seaport in North Jakarta, where the Italian flag was replaced by Indonesia’s red‑and‑white flag, symbolizing the vessel’s new role in safeguarding the archipelago’s maritime interests.
From Italian Service to Indonesian Flag
The ship that once operated under the Italian Navy was retired in 2024 and subsequently transferred to Indonesia in March. During the 25‑day voyage, the vessel crossed the Suez Canal, the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean before arriving at Jakarta last week. The transition was overseen by Navy spokesperson Tunggul, who emphasized that the carrier now bears the name KRI Sriwijaya‑100 and will serve Indonesia’s sovereign interests.
Capabilities and Intended Use
Unlike the large aircraft carriers of global superpowers, the KRI Sriwijaya‑100 is designed to support short‑takeoff and vertical‑landing aircraft as well as helicopters. The Indonesian Navy plans to use the ship as a mobile command and support hub for a range of maritime operations across the country’s 17,000‑island archipelago. In addition to conventional naval duties, the carrier will play a key role in disaster response, particularly in combating the frequent forest and peatland fires that generate hazardous haze over Southeast Asia.
President Prabowo Subianto highlighted the vessel’s dual purpose, noting that the carrier’s presence would strengthen Indonesia’s ability to respond to natural disasters and enhance maritime security in the region.
Strategic Context and Regional Implications
The transfer of the former Giuseppe Garibaldi to Indonesia is part of a broader Italian effort to deepen defense ties with Southeast Asia. By gifting the carrier, Italy not only avoids the cost of decommissioning but also opens avenues for future deals on submarines and aircraft. Indonesia, meanwhile, becomes only the second country in Southeast Asia to operate an aircraft carrier, following Thailand’s HTMS Chakri Naruebet, which was commissioned in 1997 after being purchased from Spain.
Indonesia’s acquisition underscores its ambition to modernize its naval forces and assert greater maritime influence in the strategically vital Indo‑Pacific region. The carrier’s capabilities will complement Indonesia’s existing fleet, which includes a mix of frigates, corvettes, and amphibious vessels.
What Happens Next?
Following the commissioning ceremony, the KRI Sriwijaya‑100 will undergo a series of sea trials and crew training exercises to integrate its systems with Indonesia’s naval operations. The vessel is expected to become fully operational within the next year, after which it will participate in joint exercises with regional partners and contribute to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.
While the exact deployment schedule remains under development, Indonesian officials have indicated that the carrier will be a central asset in future maritime patrols, search and rescue missions, and air‑to‑sea operations across the archipelago.
Key facts
- Indonesia commissions first aircraft carrier, KRI Sriwijaya‑100
- Former Italian ship Giuseppe Garibaldi transferred in 2024
- Carrier will support helicopters, drones, and maritime operations
- Intended use includes disaster response, notably forest fire suppression
- Italy’s transfer strengthens defense ties and avoids decommissioning costs
- Indonesia becomes second Southeast Asian country with an aircraft carrier
Why it matters
Indonesia’s first aircraft carrier enhances its maritime defense posture and disaster response capacity, positioning the nation as a more influential player in the Indo‑Pacific region.
Frequently asked questions
What is the KRI Sriwijaya‑100?
It is Indonesia’s first aircraft carrier, formerly the Italian ship Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Why did Italy transfer the ship?
Italy aimed to strengthen defense ties with Indonesia and avoid decommissioning costs.
What will the carrier be used for?
It will support helicopter, drone, and maritime operations, and aid in disaster response such as forest fire suppression.
When will it become fully operational?
The ship is expected to be fully operational within the next year after sea trials and crew training.
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Indonesia reflags a former Italian warship as its first aircraft carrier”
