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 Natuna Islands dispute, where China’s nine‑dash line overlaps Indonesia’s Exclusive Economic Zone. Indonesia has invoked the UNCLOS framework to reject Chinese claims, while balancing a “Bebas dan Aktif” stance.

UPSC Relevance

For GS‑2 (Polity) and GS‑3 (Security), the case illustrates: (i) India’s neighbourhood security dynamics; (ii) the role of defence procurement in asserting strategic autonomy; (iii) the challenges of balancing relations with the United States and China; and (iv) the operational and fiscal implications of acquiring high‑cost platforms.

Way Forward

Indonesia must decide whether to retain the carrier’s V/STOL fighter capability or convert it to a helicopter/drone platform, weighing cost against operational need. Parliament should scrutinise the refit budget, ensure crew training, and develop a sustainable maintenance regime to avoid the Thai carrier’s pitfalls. Simultaneously, Jakarta’s diplomatic outreach must manage reactions from Beijing, Washington, and regional partners, reinforcing its Bebas dan Aktif posture while safeguarding maritime interests in the Indo‑Pacific.