Jakarta is set to receive a significant, if somewhat symbolic, addition to its naval capabilities: the Italian aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi. If all goes according to plan, the vessel will be commissioned into the Indonesian Navy on Armed Forces Day, October 5th. While Indonesia will become only the second nation in Southeast Asia – after Thailand – to operate an aircraft carrier, the acquisition is raising eyebrows among defense analysts, who question whether this aging warship represents a genuine boost to Indonesia’s military strength or a costly exercise in national prestige. The core question surrounding Indonesia’s new aircraft carrier is whether it’s a strategic asset or a vanity project.
The Giuseppe Garibaldi, commissioned by the Italian Navy in 1985, is a 14,000-tonne vessel capable of operating AV-8B Harrier II short-take-off-and-vertical-landing fighter aircraft and anti-submarine warfare helicopters. Throughout its service, the carrier participated in numerous international operations, including deployments to Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Libya, as well as several humanitarian and disaster relief missions. It was decommissioned in 2024, and an agreement was subsequently reached for its transfer to Indonesia. A group of Indonesian sailors are currently in Italy preparing to sail the ship home, a journey that underscores President Prabowo Subianto’s ambitious plans to modernize the Indonesian armed forces.
A Carrier for Prestige, Not Power Projection?
The skepticism surrounding the acquisition isn’t simply about the age of the vessel. Defense experts point to the limitations of the Giuseppe Garibaldi in the context of Indonesia’s vast maritime domain and complex geopolitical challenges. Indonesia, an archipelago of over 17,000 islands, faces a multitude of maritime security concerns, including illegal fishing, piracy, and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. However, the Giuseppe Garibaldi’s relatively short flight deck and limited aircraft capacity imply it won’t dramatically alter the balance of power in the region. As Collin Koh Swee Lean, a research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, told the South China Morning Post, the carrier is “more about signaling Indonesia’s intent to be a major player in the region.”
The decision to acquire a second-hand carrier, rather than investing in a newer, more capable vessel, also raises questions about Indonesia’s strategic priorities. Some analysts suggest that the purchase is driven by a desire to enhance Indonesia’s international standing and project an image of strength, particularly as it assumes a greater role in regional security forums like ASEAN. The acquisition aligns with Prabowo Subianto’s broader efforts to bolster Indonesia’s defense capabilities, which include plans to procure new fighter jets, submarines, and other military equipment. However, critics argue that these investments are not always aligned with Indonesia’s most pressing security needs.
The Challenges of Carrier Operations
Operating an aircraft carrier is a complex and expensive undertaking. Beyond the initial acquisition cost, Indonesia will face significant challenges in maintaining and operating the Giuseppe Garibaldi. These include the need to train personnel in carrier operations, develop a robust logistics and maintenance infrastructure, and procure the necessary aircraft and weaponry. The Harrier II aircraft currently compatible with the carrier are also aging and may require extensive upgrades or eventual replacement.
Indonesia lacks a dedicated carrier air wing and will need to invest in training pilots and maintenance crews to operate and support the aircraft. The country will also need to establish a comprehensive maintenance and repair facility to ensure the carrier remains operational. These costs could strain Indonesia’s defense budget and potentially divert resources from other critical areas, such as maritime surveillance and coastal defense. The Indonesian Navy will also need to adapt its doctrines and procedures to incorporate carrier operations, a significant undertaking that will require time and resources.
Beyond the Hardware: Indonesia’s Maritime Ambitions
Despite the limitations of the Giuseppe Garibaldi, the acquisition reflects Indonesia’s growing ambition to become a leading maritime power in Southeast Asia. Indonesia has been actively strengthening its naval capabilities in recent years, driven by concerns about protecting its vast maritime resources and asserting its sovereignty over its territorial waters. The country has also been increasing its engagement in regional maritime security cooperation, participating in joint patrols and exercises with other countries in the region.
Indonesia’s maritime strategy focuses on developing a “Maritime Fulcrum” – a concept that envisions Indonesia as a central hub for maritime trade and security in the region. This strategy emphasizes the importance of strengthening Indonesia’s naval capabilities, improving maritime infrastructure, and promoting regional cooperation. The acquisition of the Giuseppe Garibaldi, while not a game-changer in terms of military power, can be seen as a symbolic step towards realizing this vision. It demonstrates Indonesia’s commitment to becoming a more assertive and influential player in the Indo-Pacific region.
The broader context of regional naval developments is also important. China’s growing naval presence in the South China Sea has prompted other countries in the region, including Indonesia, to strengthen their own maritime capabilities. The Philippines, for example, has been increasing its defense spending and seeking closer security ties with the United States. Thailand already operates a small aircraft carrier, the HTMS Chakri Naruebet, though its operational capabilities have been limited by a lack of aircraft. The competition for maritime dominance in Southeast Asia is likely to intensify in the coming years, and Indonesia’s acquisition of the Giuseppe Garibaldi is a sign of this trend.
The next key date to watch is October 5th, Armed Forces Day, when the Giuseppe Garibaldi is scheduled to be formally commissioned into the Indonesian Navy. Following the commissioning, attention will turn to the practical challenges of integrating the carrier into the Indonesian fleet and ensuring its long-term operational readiness. The success of this endeavor will depend on Indonesia’s ability to overcome the logistical, financial, and technical hurdles associated with operating a complex warship.
What are your thoughts on Indonesia’s acquisition of the Giuseppe Garibaldi? Share your perspectives in the comments below, and please share this article with others interested in regional security and maritime affairs.
