How Long Could Indonesia Deploy the Garibaldi Aircraft Carrier? - Tempo.co English
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Italian-built aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi has docked in Tanjung Priok Port, Jakarta, today. Inspecting the rooms and equipment on board, the Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali assured that the vessel still functions well.
The vessel was donated by the Italian government. "Hopefully, it will be able to remain in service with the Indonesian Navy for another 15 to 20 years," Ali said on Friday, September 18, 2026.
The Garibaldi carrier, according to Ali, will be prioritized for use in Military Operations Other Than War, with particular distinction for disaster handling, considering how frequently disasters strike the country. "We really need a ship or platform that can carry many helicopters," he said.
According to Ali, the Garibaldi, which is 180.2 meters long and 33.4 meters wide, can accommodate at least 14 helicopters. With these specifications, he said, logistics for forest fire disaster response can be distributed more quickly to remote areas.
But Ali did not shut down the possibility of deploying the Garibaldi aircraft carrier for war purposes. After all, Ali claimed that a carrier does not have to be a destroyer. "Frigates can also escort, as long as they have anti-air attack, anti-submarine, anti-surface vessel, and anti-electronic warfare capabilities," Ali said.
The Garibaldi will undergo a flag change to mark the change of ownership, as well as a name change. The aircraft carrier will officially be named KRI Sriwijaya on September 24. The Indonesian Navy is currently preparing a naval base in Lampung for the Garibaldi.
According to Ali, the southernmost region of Sumatra Island is geographically suitable. "The depth is also sufficient. The Garibaldi's draft is around 8.5 meters, so Lampung is sufficient. Navigational access is good, and it's somewhat protected," he said.
However, Ali said his staff are still open to the possibility of the Garibaldi being stationed at bases elsewhere, including within naval units. "For now, this ship is part of the Auxiliary Ship Unit," he said.
