Ministry of Defence Explains Rationale for Not Purchasing New Aircraft Carrier
The Ministry of Defence has explained its decision not to purchase a new aircraft carrier, instead preferring a grant scheme to strengthen the Indonesian Naval Fleet. This option is considered more realistic from both time and strategic necessity perspectives.
Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, Head of the Defence Information Bureau of the Defence Ministry Secretariat, stated that procuring a new aircraft carrier requires an extended timeline. “Acquiring a new aircraft carrier requires a very long timeframe, both in terms of production and operational readiness,” Rico said when contacted on Saturday, 28 February 2026.
He added that time considerations have become a crucial factor amid the need to strengthen maritime defence posture. “The Garibaldi grant scheme represents a realistic option because it enables platform availability in a shorter timeframe to support strategic requirements,” he said.
Although the Italian vessel is being obtained without purchase, the government is still preparing a budget for maintenance and upgrading of the main weapon systems equipment. “All maintenance and modernisation processes are planned to be carried out domestically,” said Rico.
The allocated budget covers maintenance of existing equipment and certain modernisations, including installation of combat systems to align with TNI Naval operational requirements. The budget amount will be adjusted according to the vessel’s technical condition and equipment installation requirements. “The estimated allocation is in the region of Rp 7.2 trillion,” he said.
According to Rico, the transfer of Giuseppe Garibaldi is currently in the internal grant administration stage for each country. The ship’s arrival schedule depends on technical readiness and completion of the ownership transfer process. “The government hopes the vessel can arrive in Indonesia before the TNI’s anniversary commemoration in 2026,” he said.
In principle, he said, the ship can support the TNI Navy’s execution of tasks in military operations for war and military operations other than war, including humanitarian missions and disaster relief. The crew unit assignment and deployment are still being finalised by the TNI Navy.
Rico added that this grant scheme is the result of communication and discussions between governments within the framework of bilateral defence cooperation between Indonesia and Italy. This cooperation is conducted through a government-to-government mechanism and forms part of strengthening the strategic relationship between both countries in the defence sector.