KRI Gajah Mada Scheduled for First Appearance at 81st TNI Anniversary
The aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi, which will soon be renamed KRI Gajah Mada, is scheduled to make its first appearance at the 81st anniversary of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in October 2026. The ship will be one of the main elements in the sailing pass parade and will also function as a vessel for very important persons (VVIP).
Head of the Indonesian Navy Information Service (Kadispenal) First Admiral Tunggul confirmed that the ship’s involvement has been included in the initial plan for the parade of primary weapon systems (alutsista).
“According to the initial plan, the Garibaldi is planned to be involved as one of the sailing pass elements for the 81st TNI anniversary,” Tunggul said in Jakarta on Tuesday (25/8).
In addition to strengthening the Navy fleet formation in the parade, the Giuseppe Garibaldi is planned to be a VVIP ship that will accommodate the President, ministers, and senior TNI officials during the naval alutsista procession. However, details regarding the parade concept and exact location are still being finalised.
The ship is currently sailing from Italy to Indonesia. Chief of Naval Staff (KSAL) Admiral Muhammad Ali stated that the ship is expected to arrive in the country between 15 and 20 September 2026.
“Tonight (Monday, 24/8) at around 22.00, KRI Gajah Mada will leave Italy for Indonesia. During the journey, its name is still ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi and it still flies the Italian flag,” the KSAL said while visiting Kraton Majapahit in Jakarta on Monday (24/8).
The ship, acquired through a government-to-government (G-to-G) grant scheme, will undertake a journey of more than 20 days. The sailing route includes the Suez Canal and the Red Sea with tight escort from Italian Navy frigates.
Upon arrival in Indonesia, the flag-changing ceremony to the Red and White and the inauguration of the name KRI Gajah Mada are scheduled to take place on 25 September 2026. The inauguration ceremony is planned to be attended directly by President Prabowo Subianto.
“The plan is that the President will participate in the inauguration, attending on board the aircraft carrier Gajah Mada,” said Admiral Muhammad Ali.
The presence of KRI Gajah Mada is expected to enhance the operational capability of the TNI. The ship is designed to operate various types of helicopters, from the Army (TNI AD), Navy (TNI AL), and Air Force (TNI AU). To support these operations, the Navy is preparing a special training programme for pilots to obtain landing qualifications on the aircraft carrier.