Overview: The Italian Parliament has approved the donation of the decommissioned Giuseppe Garibaldi to Jakarta. If the refit proceeds on schedule, the aircraft carrier could be commissioned by the Indonesian Navy on 5 October 2026. This marks Indonesia’s first carrier and makes it the second Southeast Asian nation after Thailand to operate such a platform.

Key Developments

Italian Parliament backs the transfer of Giuseppe Garibaldi (decommissioned 2024) to Indonesia.
Indonesian Navy Chief Admiral Muhammad Ali announces expected induction on 5 Oct 2026.
President Prabowo Subianto frames the acquisition as part of a broader defence‑modernisation drive.
Potential inclusion of V/STOL aircraft (e.g., Harrier) or conversion to a helicopter/drone carrier.
Debate in Parliament and opposition over cost, age, and operational readiness.

Important Facts

The carrier, originally designated an aircraft‑carrying cruiser, was built by Fincantieri. It features V/STOL design, having operated Harrier II jets and anti‑submarine helicopters. A full refurbishment is planned before hand‑over.

Indonesia’s defence procurement under President Subianto includes six FREMM‑class and two Maestrale‑class frigates from Italy; 42 Rafale fighters, long‑range radars and two Scorpène‑class submarines from France; and 48 KAAN fighters plus two Istanbul‑class frigates from Türkiye.

The strategic backdrop features the