In a landmark diplomatic achievement for 2026, the Indonesian Ministry of Defense has finalized the acquisition of the Giuseppe Garibaldi (551) through a strategic grant from Italy.
By securing this vessel via a gift mechanism rather than a traditional purchase, Indonesia has effectively bypassed the multi-billion dollar acquisition costs typically required for such a high-tier naval asset.
While the ship itself comes at no cost, the government has committed approximately Rp7.5 trillion for an extensive retrofit process at PT PAL Indonesia. This ensures the carrier is reborn with modern systems specifically tailored to the unique demands of the Indonesian archipelago.
Beyond Combat: A Versatile Maritime Hub
According to Admiral First Class Tunggul, Head of the Navy Information Service, the carrier will primarily support Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW). This strategic positioning turns the Garibaldi into a formidable mobile base for humanitarian missions, disaster relief, and mass evacuations, capabilities that are vital for a disaster-prone nation like Indonesia.
The ship's expansive flight deck and massive logistical capacity allow for the rapid deployment of specialized troops, medical supplies, and heavy equipment during maritime emergencies or international peacekeeping missions.
Despite its primary focus on non-combat operations, the Navy maintains that the Giuseppe Garibaldi can transition to full combat readiness should national security conditions demand it. Technical specifications reveal that the carrier can accommodate up to 18 helicopters or 16 AV-8B Harrier II short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) fighter jets.
The potential inclusion of these Harrier jets in the deal signals Indonesia’s intent to maintain a credible deterrence force. Such an addition would allow the TNI AL to project air power far from land-based runways, modernizing its naval doctrine for the complexities of 21st-century warfare.
A Technological Leap for National Industry
Fincantieri officials have confirmed that the vessel, despite its long service in Italy, remains in excellent condition with an estimated 15 to 20 years of remaining operational life. This timeframe provides a crucial window for the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) to strengthen its blue-water capabilities and enhance oversight of strategic sea lanes within ASEAN waters.
The planned arrival before the 81st anniversary of the TNI on October 5, 2026, marks a significant psychological and strategic turning point for Southeast Asia's maritime landscape.
More importantly, the retrofit project at PT PAL Indonesia serves as a momentum for a massive transfer of technology (ToT).
By working on a carrier-class vessel, Indonesian engineers are gaining firsthand experience in managing complex naval hangars, advanced sensors, and sophisticated propulsion systems.
This strategic grant from Rome is not merely a gift of steel; it is a bridge toward national industrial independence. It reinforces Indonesia’s role as a leading maritime power that can maintain and eventually build its own large-scale naval platforms.
A Strategic Milestone for 2026
The Giuseppe Garibaldi represents a bold leap into a more secure future. By securing a free carrier and investing heavily in its domestic transformation, Indonesia has demonstrated a sophisticated and cost-effective approach to military modernization.
The ship stands as a symbol of the nation's ambition to protect its vast territorial waters while fostering the growth of its local defense industry.
As the Red and White flag prepares to fly over the Garibaldi’s deck, Indonesia firmly cements its status as a Global Maritime Fulcrum, ready to lead in regional stability and humanitarian excellence.
