Indonesia has officially commissioned its first aircraft carrier following the acquisition of a former Italian naval vessel, marking a significant enhancement to the country’s maritime defense and disaster response capabilities. The ship, previously known as ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, was formally transferred to the Indonesian Navy at a ceremony held Tuesday at the Tanjung Priok seaport in North Jakarta.

The vessel has been renamed KRI Sriwijaya-100, with the Indonesian red-and-white flag replacing the Italian ensign. Navy spokesperson Tunggul, who is known by one name, confirmed the change, stating the ship now symbolizes Indonesia’s sovereignty and commitment to national maritime service.

Retired by the Italian Navy in 2024, the carrier arrived last week in Indonesia following a 25-day voyage from Italy, which included transit through the Suez Canal, the Red Sea, and the Indian Ocean. The vessel is equipped to support short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft, as well as helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles, enhancing Indonesia's operational reach across its vast archipelago.

Unlike countries with major naval powers that utilize aircraft carriers primarily for offensive strike capabilities, Indonesia plans to deploy the KRI Sriwijaya-100 as a versatile command and support platform. It will primarily serve helicopter, drone, and maritime operations, as well as bolster Indonesia’s ability to respond to natural disasters.

President Prabowo Subianto highlighted the ship’s potential role in combating forest and peatland fires, a recurring environmental challenge that causes hazardous haze across parts of Southeast Asia. The new carrier’s ability to coordinate aerial and marine resources is expected to increase the effectiveness of such efforts.

The transfer of the Giuseppe Garibaldi was agreed upon in March as part of Italy’s broader strategy to deepen defense cooperation with Indonesia. Besides the aircraft carrier, Italy is also pursuing potential sales of submarines and aircraft to Indonesia. Providing the carrier as a gift also helped Italy avoid the costs associated with decommissioning the ship.

With the commissioning of KRI Sriwijaya-100, Indonesia becomes the second country in Southeast Asia to operate an aircraft carrier, joining Thailand, which commissioned the HTMS Chakri Naruebet in 1997 after acquiring it from Spain.