Defence Ministry Ensures Indonesia's First Aircraft Carrier to Be Modified by PT. PAL

Indonesia’s Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has confirmed that the prospective Indonesian Navy aircraft carrier, Giuseppe Garibaldi, will be modified according to Indonesia’s defence needs at the domestic shipyard, PT. Penataran Angkatan Laut (PAL).

“God willing, the Garibaldi will arrive in Indonesia in 2026, but we will refurbish it because we have the PT PAL industry capable of refurbishing the aircraft carrier,” Sjafrie said during a press conference at the Defence Ministry office on Thursday.

However, Sjafrie did not provide detailed explanations about which specific parts of the aircraft carrier would be modified. He merely assured that the Ministry had prepared a budget for modifying the vessel at PT. PAL.

“As for the budget, ask the Director General of Defence Planning. But I have made the decision, so if you ask whether it is efficient and effective, I am ready,” he explained.

Previously, Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, Head of the Defence Ministry Secretary General’s Public Relations and Information Bureau, stated that Indonesia is planned to receive its first aircraft carrier, the Giuseppe Garibaldi, as a grant from the Italian government.

The vessel, built by Italian shipyard Fincantieri, was previously used to support the strength of the Italian Navy.

Sirait continued, noting that receiving the vessel as a grant does not mean the Defence Ministry will not spend any money whatsoever.

“Giuseppe Garibaldi is a grant from the Italian government. The budget prepared by the Indonesian government is allocated for retrofit needs or adjustments to suit the operational requirements of the Indonesian Navy,” Sirait said when contacted by ANTARA in Jakarta on Friday (13 February).

To date, the negotiation process and administrative procedures are still ongoing between the Indonesian Defence Ministry and the Italian authorities.

After the negotiation process and administrative requirements are completed, the Indonesian Navy will then carry out technological adjustments to the aircraft carrier to suit Indonesia’s defence needs.