TNI Says Garibaldi Aircraft Carrier Boosts Operational Readiness

20 hours ago 17

September 5, 2026 | 08:59 pm

The Italian Navy's Giuseppe Garibaldi aircraft carrier. The Indonesian government and Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR) agreed to accept the grant of the defense and security vessel from Italy, valued at 54 million euros (Rp 1.108 trillion). Shutterstock

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The main weaponry system of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) is about to expand with the arrival of the Giuseppe Garibaldi aircraft carrier on September 19. The TNI Headquarters stated that the Italian ship's presence will strengthen the defense system.

"The presence of the weaponry will enhance the capability and operational readiness of the TNI," said the Head of the TNI Information Center, Major General Muhammad Nas, when contacted on Saturday, September 5, 2026.

Nas stated that the Indonesian Navy is ready to welcome the arrival of the Garibaldi aircraft carrier, from human resources to maintenance. However, Nas has not yet revealed where the ship, which will be renamed the Indonesian Naval Vessel (KRI) Gajah Mada, will anchor.

The Giuseppe Garibaldi aircraft carrier began its voyage from Italy to Indonesia on August 24, 2026. The estimated time of arrival in Jakarta is around three weeks.

During the voyage to the country, the Garibaldi aircraft carrier is scheduled to pass through the Suez Canal and make a stop in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Subsequently, it will pass through the waters of Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The Head of the Information Bureau at the Ministry of Defense, Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, stated that the Garibaldi aircraft carrier will be manned by approximately 400 soldiers, some of whom are from the Indonesian Navy. Rico explained that the presence of Indonesian Navy soldiers on the Garibaldi aircraft carrier is intended for training and familiarization as part of the ship's operational preparations.

The Giuseppe Garibaldi aircraft carrier will arrive after Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR) approves the Italian government's grant to the Ministry of Defense on July 20, 2026.