On Friday, September 18, Indonesia welcomed the retired light aircraft carrier “ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi” (ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, C551), originally belonging to the Italian Navy, becoming the second Southeast Asian country to own an aircraft carrier after Thailand. Authorities stated that this aircraft carrier will “strengthen the maritime security and disaster response capabilities of this archipelagic nation.”
In the morning of that day, the light aircraft carrier, donated by Italy, arrived at the Port of Tanjung Priok in Jakarta, Indonesia. Commissioned in 1985, the 41-year-old vessel has a displacement of about 14,000 tons, with a complete flight deck and ski-jump takeoff ramp, primarily suitable for regional combat or support missions.
In 2025, the Indonesian Ministry of Finance approved a budget of 450 million dollars for the refurbishment, towing, and subsequent maintenance of the ship.
The Indonesian government announced plans to convert it into a platform for helicopters and drones, to enhance maritime security and natural disaster response capabilities. When necessary, it can also be deployed for operational missions.
The Indonesian Navy stated that the aircraft carrier is expected to complete the handover on September 24, at which time the national flag will be replaced, and it will be officially renamed as “KRI Sriwijaya” (KRI Sriwijaya).