Indonesia's first aircraft carrier arrives

The Indonesian Navy has brought the nation's first aircraft carrier home. The former Italian Navy vessel ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi entered Indonesian waters on 17 September, according to a navy announcement.

The ship, which will be renamed KRI Sriwijaya, began its journey from Taranto, Italy, on 24 August. A mixed Italian and Indonesian crew under Italian Commanding Officer Captain Marco Guerriero sailed the vessel through the Suez Canal. It made port calls in Safaga, Egypt, and Colombo, Sri Lanka. Italian warships reportedly escorted the carrier during part of its passage through the Red Sea.

Upon entering Indonesian waters via the Malacca Strait, the carrier was met by an official welcome. Two Indonesian Navy Multipurpose Combat Ships, KRI Brawijaya and KRI Prabu Siliwangi, escorted the new arrival. A CN-235 maritime patrol aircraft also participated in the operation.

Naming and Historical Significance

The carrier's name pays homage to Indonesia's maritime history. Sriwijaya was a powerful maritime kingdom based in Sumatra. It controlled key regional trade routes and exerted influence across much of Southeast Asia for centuries. The navy had initially considered naming the vessel KRI Gadjah Mada before settling on the current name.

The ship is scheduled to arrive at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta on the morning of 18 September. It is also expected to be a centerpiece during the Indonesian National Armed Forces' anniversary celebrations on 5 October.

Primary Mission Profile

In its official statement, the Indonesian Navy outlined the carrier's intended role. The vessel will primarily support Military Operations Other Than War. This focus aligns with instructions from President Prabowo Subianto. Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions are highlighted as key tasks.

This marks a shift from the ship's previous combat-oriented role in Italian service. The emphasis is now on national and regional support operations.

Joint-Service Preparations

Ahead of the carrier's arrival, the Indonesian military conducted extensive joint training. The exercises involved helicopter crews from the Navy, Air Force, and Army.

Training included take-off and landing practice using a mock-up of the Garibaldi's flight deck. Pilots also conducted live operations from the landing platform dock KRI Makassar. Navy aviators shared their expertise in maritime helicopter operations with their counterparts from the other services. This program aims to familiarize all branches with flight operations from the new carrier.

The vessel's entry point differed from other recent Italian naval acquisitions. Unlike the two PPA frigates obtained by Indonesia, which arrived via the Sunda Strait, the carrier transited through the Malacca Strait.