Indonesia Welcomes First Aircraft Carrier
Indonesia has accepted the former Italian aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi, renaming it KRI Gajah Mada. The move is part of President Prabowo Subianto’s modernization plan but has raised concerns about cost, operational readiness, and strategic necessity.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Indonesia’s navy celebrated the arrival of its first aircraft carrier, the ex‑Italian warship Giuseppe Garibaldi, on Friday morning at the Tanjung Priok naval base in North Jakarta. The 41‑year‑old vessel, capable of short‑takeoff and vertical‑landing aircraft as well as helicopters, will be renamed KRI Gajah Mada and formally commissioned next week. The transfer marks a milestone in President Prabowo Subianto’s push to modernize the Indonesian armed forces, but it has also ignited a heated debate among analysts, economists and opposition lawmakers about the ship’s cost, maintenance demands and strategic relevance.
From Italian Service to Indonesian Flag
The carrier was retired by the Italian Navy in 2024 and was offered to Indonesia in March as part of a broader defense partnership. Italy, which is seeking contracts for submarines and aircraft in Southeast Asia, views the donation as a way to strengthen ties while avoiding the expense of decommissioning the ship. Indonesia, which has only one other Southeast Asian carrier in the region – Thailand’s HTMS Chakri Naruebet – will now become the second country in the area to operate such a vessel.
Strategic Vision and Planned Conversion
President Prabowo has repeatedly highlighted the need to expand Indonesia’s naval capabilities, citing submarines, frigates, fighter jets and missiles as priorities. The new carrier, however, is intended to serve a different role. Rather than launching fighter jets across the Pacific, the Indonesian Navy plans to use it as a mobile command and support hub for helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles and maritime operations across the archipelago.
During a disaster‑management briefing, Prabowo explained that the ship would be refurbished to accommodate up to ten medium‑size helicopters, similar to the Black Hawk or Mi‑17, and would carry large volumes of water for firefighting missions. The vessel would also serve as a platform for drones and could be rapidly deployed to respond to natural disasters – a frequent occurrence in the Pacific “Ring of Fire.”
Cost Concerns and Fiscal Context
The Indonesian Finance Ministry approved $450 million in financing for the carrier program in 2025, but lawmakers warn that the total bill could be far higher. TB Hasanuddin, a member of Parliament’s Commission I, estimated that retrofitting alone could reach 16 trillion rupiah (about $900 million). The cost of operating and maintaining an aging carrier, including fuel, weapons systems, personnel and infrastructure, has also been raised as a concern.
Economists point out that Indonesia’s largest economy is facing mounting fiscal pressures. The government’s ambitious free‑nutritious‑meals program and other large initiatives have strained state revenues, prompting scrutiny of high‑profile defense projects.
Expert Opinions and Alternative Priorities
Strategic analysts argue that Indonesia’s primary defense needs lie in submarines, frigates and asymmetric weapons rather than a carrier. Muhammad Fauzan Malufti of the Center for Strategic and International Studies cautioned that the acquisition should be based on genuine operational needs, not national pride. He highlighted Thailand’s carrier, which has spent much of its service life in port due to budget constraints, as a cautionary example.
Khairul Fahmi of the Institute for Security and Strategic Studies added that while a carrier can symbolize national power, it may not be a priority for Indonesia’s current maritime security environment. He suggested that resources might be better directed toward expanding the frigate fleet.
What Happens Next?
The KRI Gajah Mada will be formally commissioned into the Indonesian Navy next week. The government will need to decide on the scope of refurbishment, crew training, maintenance infrastructure and operational doctrine. Meanwhile, debate will continue over whether the carrier’s strategic benefits outweigh its financial and logistical costs.
As Indonesia navigates its defense modernization, the carrier’s arrival will serve as a litmus test for the country’s ability to integrate complex naval platforms into its broader maritime strategy.
Key facts
- Indonesia receives former Italian carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi, renamed KRI Gajah Mada
- The ship will support helicopter and drone operations for disaster response
- Finance ministry approved $450 million, but costs could rise to $900 million+
- Experts question the strategic necessity and fiscal prudence of the carrier
- Indonesia becomes second Southeast Asian country with a carrier after Thailand
- Debate centers on operational readiness versus national pride
Why it matters
The acquisition of an aircraft carrier signals Indonesia’s ambition to enhance maritime security and disaster response, but it also highlights the tension between strategic aspirations and fiscal realities in a rapidly evolving regional security landscape.
Frequently asked questions
What is the primary role of the KRI Gajah Mada in the Indonesian Navy?
It will serve as a mobile command center and support hub for helicopters, drones and maritime operations across Indonesia’s archipelago.
How much financing has the Indonesian government approved for the carrier?
The Finance Ministry approved $450 million in 2025, but the total cost could reach $900 million or more when retrofitting and operations are included.
Why did Italy donate the carrier to Indonesia?
Italy seeks to strengthen defense ties with Indonesia and avoid the costs of decommissioning the ship.
What are critics’ main concerns about the carrier?
They worry about high refurbishment and operating costs, limited strategic necessity, and whether funds could be better used on other naval assets.
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Indonesia welcomes its first aircraft carrier, prompting debate over cost and military ambitions”
