Indonesia's first aircraft carrier arrives as a gift from Italy
In short: The journey of the KRI Sriwijaya is a masterclass in maritime diplomacy. From its origins as an Italian workhorse to becoming Indonesia's flagship, this vessel represents a complex transition of power, involving multi-million dollar loans, intense parliamentary debates, and a literal change of identity at sea.
The KRI Sriwijaya (100) is Indonesia's first aircraft carrier, but its history began in 1985 as the Giuseppe Garibaldi. After serving the Italian Navy for 39 years, it was retired in 2024. The transition to Indonesian ownership was not a simple purchase; it involved a complex series of negotiations starting in early 2025. While some Italian politicians initially argued the ship should be sold rather than gifted, Admiral Giacinto Ottaviani eventually advocated for a free transfer as the most convenient solution due to high maintenance and scrapping costs.
The acquisition was backed by significant financial planning. To purchase the vessel plus its gear, Indonesia's authorities sanctioned credit schemes totaling US$450 million, while further funding of US$250 million and US$300 million was allocated for utility and transport helicopters respectively. These aircraft are intended to operate from the carrier, which Fincantieri proposed converting into a helicopter and UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) assault ship.
The vessel's identity underwent several shifts during its journey. Initially reported as KRI Gajah Mada, it was officially renamed KRI Sriwijaya on September 17, 2026, after an administrative review. The ship departed Taranto on August 24, 2026, escorted by Italian frigates through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea. It arrived in Jakarta on September 18, 2026, where it was repainted and formally commissioned on September 24, 2026, with a crew of 400 members led by Colonel Mochamad Fuad Hasan.
This move signifies a major shift in Indonesian naval capability. Training for carrier flight operations began as early as May 2026 at the Juanda Naval Air Station using a mock flight deck. The military envisions all three branches—the Navy, Army, and Air Force—operating from the vessel, which will be homeported at the Lampung Naval Base.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: KRI Sriwijaya
- Also: Wikidata — KRI Sriwijaya · CC0
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