KRI Gajah Mada to debut at 81st TNI anniversary as VVIP ship
The aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi, which will be renamed KRI Gajah Mada, is scheduled to make its debut at the 81st anniversary of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in October 2026 as part of the sailing pass parade. The ship will also be used as a vessel for very very important persons (VVIPs).
“According to the initial plan, Garibaldi is planned to be involved as one of the sailing pass elements in the context of the 81st TNI anniversary,” said Head of the Indonesian Navy Information Service, First Admiral Tunggul, when confirmed by ANTARA in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Tunggul said the aircraft carrier will appear together with a number of Indonesian Navy fleets in the parade of primary weaponry systems (alutsista). Giuseppe Garibaldi is also planned to be a VVIP ship for important guests, including the President, ministers, and TNI officials during the naval alutsista parade.
However, Tunggul has not yet explained in detail the concept of the naval alutsista parade or the location of the sailing pass at the 81st TNI anniversary commemoration.
Giuseppe Garibaldi is currently sailing from Italy to Indonesia and is scheduled to arrive in mid-September 2026. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali previously said the ship is expected to arrive in Indonesia on 15-20 September.
“We ask for your prayers, tonight at around 10 pm, KRI Gajah Mada will leave Italy for Indonesia,” Ali said while visiting Kraton Majapahit in Jakarta on Monday (24/8).
During the journey to Indonesia, the ship is still named ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi and flies the Italian flag. Upon arrival in Indonesia, the ship, which was obtained through an intergovernmental grant scheme, will change its flag to the Red and White and be named KRI Gajah Mada.
“Its name is still ITS Garibaldi, still flying the Italian flag. But upon arrival in Indonesia, it will change to the Red and White flag and become KRI Gajah Mada. We ask for your prayers, may the journey be safe and successful,” Ali said.
According to Ali, the ship will travel for more than 20 days, passing through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea, and will be escorted by Italian warships.
“Because it will pass through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea as well, but it will also be escorted by Italian frigates. And hopefully on 15 or 20 September it will have arrived in Indonesia,” he said.
Ali said the inauguration and change of flag to the Indonesian flag is planned for 25 September 2026 and is scheduled to be attended by President Prabowo Subianto.
“On the 25th there can be an inauguration or change of flag to the Indonesian flag and the renaming from Garibaldi to Gajah Mada. The President is planned to officiate. He will be present on board the aircraft carrier Gajah Mada,” he said.
Ali previously also said the ship can later be used to operate helicopters of the Indonesian Navy, Air Force, and Army. The Indonesian Navy will also prepare training for pilots to be able to land on the ship.