Indonesia gets its first aircraft carrier amid debate over cost and military ambitions
Summary
Indonesia has received its first aircraft carrier, a retired Italian ship called ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, now renamed KRI Gajah Mada. The government says the ship will improve the country’s naval security and help in disaster response, but the cost and need for the carrier have caused debate in Indonesia.Key Facts
- The carrier is 41 years old and was retired by Italy in 2024 before being given to Indonesia.
- Indonesia is only the second Southeast Asian country with an aircraft carrier, after Thailand.
- The carrier can launch short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft and carry helicopters.
- It will be officially added to the Indonesian Navy next week and named after a famous 14th-century military leader.
- Indonesia’s defense minister views the carrier as a support base for helicopters, drones, and maritime operations, not for long-range fighter jets.
- The government approved $450 million for the carrier program in 2025, but total costs, including upgrades, could be much higher.
- Some politicians and experts question if the carrier is necessary and worry about high expenses amid Indonesia’s financial challenges.
- The ship is also planned to assist with fighting forest fires and responding quickly to natural disasters in Indonesia.
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