Indonesia commissions first aircraft carrier, KRI Sriwijaya, in major military upgrade

Key points

• The vessel arrived at Tanjung Priok seaport in North Jakarta on September 18, 2026, after sailing from Italy via the Suez Canal and Colombo.
• Italy agreed to gift the carrier in March 2026, allowing Rome to avoid the expense of decommissioning the ship, which was retired in 2014.
• Indonesia’s Finance Ministry approved $450 million in financing for the program in 2025, though opposition politicians warn the total cost could be higher due to infrastructure and maintenance.
• The carrier is intended primarily for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, but Navy Chief Muhammad Ali noted it could be deployed for combat missions if necessary.
• The acquisition is part of a broader defense modernization effort, including an $8.1 billion deal for 42 French Rafale fighter jets and new security agreements with the US and Australia.

Background

This development follows earlier reports in September 2026 regarding the ship’s entry into Indonesian waters and joint inter-service helicopter training. It occurs amidst a period of significant military expansion for Indonesia, including recent agreements with India for long-range missiles and a 'Major Defence Cooperation Partnership' with the United States.

How outlets are covering it

Al Jazeera highlights the dual nature of the vessel, noting its primary role in disaster relief while acknowledging its potential for combat. Naval News provides detailed logistical information, confirming the ship’s route and the involvement of Italian warships in escorting it through the Red Sea. The Maritime Executive emphasizes the financial aspect, noting that while the ship itself was free, Indonesia paid approximately $60 million for the delivery voyage and faces significant costs for refurbishment and support infrastructure. All sources agree on the strategic significance of the acquisition within Indonesia’s broader military modernization efforts.

Why it matters

The acquisition of an aircraft carrier marks a historic milestone for Indonesia, enhancing its naval capabilities and regional influence. It reflects a strategic shift toward greater military self-reliance and cooperation with global powers, while also addressing domestic needs for disaster response in a disaster-prone archipelago.

What to watch

Indonesia is expected to integrate the KRI Sriwijaya into its naval operations, with plans to feature it in the Indonesian National Armed Forces’ anniversary celebrations on October 5. The country will also continue investing in support infrastructure at Ratai Bay, Sumatra, and modernizing the vessel for long-term use.