Indonesia’s geographical condition as an archipelagic nation, consisting of thousands of islands and surrounded by vast seas, makes its maritime and disaster management capabilities crucial.
Indonesia is currently in the process of acquiring its first-ever aircraft carrier, the Giuseppe Garibaldi, which previously served in the Italian Navy. While this acquisition has not been finalized yet, the move is part of the country's broader strategy to modernize its defense capabilities and enhance its response to natural disasters.
Officials are focusing on utilizing the aircraft carrier for humanitarian missions, disaster relief, and maritime security, rather than for military expansion.
Why Does Indonesia Need an Aircraft Carrier?
Indonesia, home to over 17,000 islands, faces numerous challenges when it comes to disaster relief and rapid deployment of resources across its sprawling archipelago. The country experiences frequent natural disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, and floods.
Given these recurring calamities, Indonesia needs versatile platforms capable of reaching remote areas quickly to deliver aid, personnel, and supplies.
This is where an aircraft carrier, specifically one like the Giuseppe Garibaldi, comes into play. While aircraft carriers are often associated with military operations, this particular ship is envisioned by Indonesian officials to be primarily used for humanitarian and disaster relief missions.
The vessel's ability to launch and recover helicopters, even in harsh conditions, allows it to reach isolated areas and provide essential services where other means of transportation might fail.
The Giuseppe Garibaldi: A Key Asset for Indonesia
The Giuseppe Garibaldi, a Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft carrier, is designed to accommodate both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. Measuring 180 meters in length, the ship can reach speeds of up to 30 knots and travel up to 7,000 nautical miles.
Originally built in 1985 and decommissioned by the Italian Navy in October 2024, this vessel comes with advanced radar countermeasures, surface-to-air missiles, and torpedo tubes, although Indonesia plans to focus its operations on non-combat roles.
Despite its combat capabilities, the aircraft carrier will not be employed for military operations. Instead, it will be used primarily as a mobile platform designed for rapid disaster response and humanitarian assistance.
Its ability to transport essential supplies, including medical resources and personnel, to affected areas makes it a key asset in enhancing the country's disaster management infrastructure. This focus on non-combat roles reflects Indonesia's strategic priority of improving its disaster response capabilities across its extensive archipelago.
Indonesia’s Strategic Focus: Humanitarian Aid, Not Military Force
The Indonesian Ministry of Defense has emphasized that the aircraft carrier will not be used to project military power beyond Indonesia’s waters. This is a crucial distinction, as the country is focused on enhancing its ability to assist with natural disasters within its borders.
The acquisition of an aircraft carrier that can deploy helicopters to transport aid and evacuate people during emergencies aligns with Indonesia’s strategic priorities, particularly given its archipelagic geography.
The primary function of the ship will be to deliver humanitarian support and disaster relief to remote islands. With Indonesia’s extensive coastline and frequent natural disasters, an aircraft carrier offers flexibility and the ability to mobilize resources quickly.
In addition to disaster response, the carrier can serve as a base for maritime search-and-rescue operations and humanitarian missions during crises.
Comparing Indonesia’s Aircraft Carrier to Southeast Asia’s Fleet
Indonesia’s decision to acquire an aircraft carrier sets it apart from many other Southeast Asian nations. However, it’s important to note that Indonesia will not be the only Southeast Asian country with an aircraft carrier.
Thailand, for instance, operates the HTMS Chakri Naruebet, one of the smallest aircraft carriers in the world. Unlike traditional combat carriers, the HTMS Chakri Naruebet is primarily used for helicopter deployment in offshore patrols rather than for launching fighter jets in warfare.
Indonesia’s move to acquire an aircraft carrier is seen as a strategic step to bolster its capabilities in addressing natural disasters and improving maritime security, rather than expanding its military reach. This development reflects a broader trend in Southeast Asia, where nations are increasingly recognizing the value of such platforms for non-combat operations.
Is Indonesia’s Acquisition a Game-Changer for Regional Maritime Security?
While the acquisition of an aircraft carrier is a significant development for Indonesia, it’s important to understand that this move is not primarily about increasing military power.
Instead, it’s a response to Indonesia’s unique needs as an archipelagic nation that faces constant natural threats. The vessel will serve as a versatile tool for disaster management, enhancing the country’s ability to respond rapidly to crises and provide assistance to remote regions.
In the larger context of Southeast Asia, Indonesia’s decision to acquire an aircraft carrier highlights the importance of non-combat roles in maritime operations. As countries in the region face similar challenges of disaster preparedness and response, aircraft carriers and similar platforms will play a crucial role in strengthening humanitarian aid and regional cooperation.
A New Role for Indonesia’s Aircraft Carrier
Indonesia’s acquisition of the Giuseppe Garibaldi is a strategic move to enhance its disaster response and humanitarian capabilities. By focusing on non-combat operations, the country aims to improve its ability to manage natural disasters and provide aid to its vast archipelago.
While this marks a significant step in Indonesia’s defense modernization, it also underscores the growing importance of aircraft carriers as versatile platforms for humanitarian missions in Southeast Asia.
As the region continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change and frequent natural disasters, Indonesia’s decision to invest in such a versatile and powerful platform is a step toward safeguarding its citizens and improving its response to future crises.
By adapting the role of the aircraft carrier for non-military purposes, Indonesia is not only strengthening its national security but also contributing to regional resilience and cooperation.
