Indonesia's long-awaited aircraft carrier, a 14,000-tonne Italian warship, is set to be handed over to the country's military on October 5, Armed Forces Day. This significant event marks a milestone in Indonesia's naval ambitions, making it only the second Southeast Asian nation, after Thailand, to operate such a vessel.
However, experts suggest that the acquisition of the Giuseppe Garibaldi, a flat-top commissioned in 1985, is more about prestige than a significant boost to Indonesia's maritime power. The warship has a mixed fleet of AV-8B Harrier II fighter aircraft and anti-submarine warfare helicopters, and has seen action in various conflicts, including Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Libya.
The Italian government agreed to transfer the decommissioned vessel to Indonesia in 2024, and a group of Indonesian sailors will soon embark on a journey to Italy to bring the ship back home. The handover is seen as a symbol of Indonesia's growing interest in naval power, but it remains to be seen how the country will utilize this new asset.
For Indonesia, the acquisition of the aircraft carrier presents an opportunity to enhance its maritime capabilities, potentially expanding its reach in the region. However, it also raises questions about the country's ability to maintain and operate such a complex vessel.
The next step for Indonesia is to integrate the aircraft carrier into its naval fleet and determine its operational role, which could have significant implications for regional security dynamics.
The Indonesian government's decision to acquire an aging aircraft carrier raises concerns about the country's priorities and capabilities. While the acquisition may be seen as a symbol of Indonesia's growing naval ambitions, it is unclear whether the country has the resources and expertise to effectively operate such a complex vessel. The move also underscores the need for Indonesia to reassess its military spending and focus on more pressing security concerns in the region.
