he Republic of Indonesia now owns and operates its first aircraft carrier. The former Italian light aircraft carrier ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi sailed into Indonesian territorial waters on 17 September 2026, via Indonesian Archipelagic Sea Lane I (ALKI I), where it now cruises under the Indonesian red-and-white flag as KRI Sriwijaya.
An official release from the Indonesian Fleet Command (Koarmada RI), posted on its Instagram Account @koarmada_ri, proudly heralded the ship’s arrival, saying: “KRI Sriwijaya is the first aircraft carrier in the Indonesian Navy’s fleet; it was formerly known as ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi (C551).”
Indonesian Fleet Command (Koarmada RI) Colonel (P) Wishnu Ardiansyah confirmed the ship’s imminent arrival, set to drop anchor in Jakarta on 18 September 2026 after a long voyage from Italy that began on 24 August 2026.
Upon arrival in Jakarta, the light aircraft carrier—acquired by Indonesia through an intergovernmental grant scheme—will switch its flag and be officially renamed KRI Sriwijaya.
Originally built in 1981 by Fincantieri’s Monfalcone Shipyard for Lire 428 billion (+/- €903.63 million), the ship is 180.2 meters long. The ship underwent a modernization in 2003 and a major restructuring in 2013.
The carrier is powered by four Fiat COGAG gas turbines built under license from General Electric, offering a sustained power of 81,000 hp (60 MW). Driving two shafts, the ship has a maximum speed of 30 knots and can travel for 7,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of around 20 knots.
The ship can accommodate a crew of 550 sailors and carry up to 18 fighters/bombers or helicopters that can be launched from its 170-meter-long flight deck.
During its 45 years of service with the Italian Navy, the Giuseppe Garibaldi took part in combat air operations off Somalia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Libya.
After lengthy negotiations, Indonesia purchased the ship for €54 million. The KRI Sriwijaya’s home port is the Ratai Bay Naval Base in Lampung, South Sumatra, which has been rebuilt to accommodate the light aircraft carrier.
The formal inauguration and debut of the KRI Sriwijaya is targeted to take place during a naval parade in Jakarta Bay on 04 October 2026 as part of the 81st anniversary of the Indonesian National Armed Forces. The ship’s first commander is expected to be officially appointed around this commissioning date.
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