Indonesia Welcomes First Aircraft Carrier as Ex-Italian 'Garibaldi' Arrives in Jakarta

Key points

• The former Italian carrier ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, now renamed KRI Sriwijaya, entered Indonesian waters on September 17, 2026.
• The ship departed Taranto, Italy, on August 24, 2026, with a mixed Italian and Indonesian crew under Italian command.
• The vessel transited the Suez Canal and stopped in Safaga, Egypt, and Colombo, Sri Lanka, before entering Indonesia via the Malacca Strait.
• KRI Sriwijaya is scheduled to arrive at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta on the morning of September 18, 2026.
• The carrier will be a centerpiece of the Indonesian National Armed Forces' anniversary celebrations on October 5, 2026.
• The Indonesian Navy stated the ship will focus on Military Operations Other Than War, specifically humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Background

This acquisition represents a significant shift in Indonesia's naval capabilities, as it is the country's first aircraft carrier. The ship was previously part of the Italian Navy and was acquired alongside two Multipurpose Combat Ship/Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura (PPA) frigates. The naming of the vessel as KRI Sriwijaya references the historic maritime kingdom based in Sumatra, which controlled regional trade routes and exercised influence across maritime Southeast Asia for centuries. Earlier reports had suggested the name KRI Gadjah Mada, but the Navy changed it to KRI Sriwijaya. The arrival follows a period of increased naval activity in the region, including US carrier deployments and discussions regarding carrier naming conventions in other navies, though this specific acquisition is a distinct bilateral transfer from Italy.

Why it matters

The arrival of KRI Sriwijaya marks a pivotal moment for Indonesia's military modernization, establishing the nation's first aircraft carrier capability. This development enhances Indonesia's capacity for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, aligning with President Prabowo Subianto's directives. The successful integration of the vessel, including joint inter-service training, signals a new era of operational readiness for the TNI AL. The ship's presence also underscores Indonesia's strategic interest in expanding its naval footprint and influence in the Indo-Pacific region, leveraging a historic maritime legacy to bolster contemporary defense and aid missions.

What to watch

KRI Sriwijaya is expected to dock at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta on September 18, 2026. The carrier will be featured in the Indonesian National Armed Forces' anniversary celebrations on October 5, 2026. Following its arrival, the Indonesian military will continue to integrate the vessel into its fleet, focusing on training and operational readiness for humanitarian and disaster relief missions. The Navy will likely announce further details regarding the ship's commissioning and initial deployment schedules in the coming months.