Ministry of Defence: Garibaldi Ship Prepared for Non-Combat Military Operations

The Ministry of Defence (Kemhan) has stated that the aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi, set to be received by Indonesia, is planned for non-combat military operations (OMSP), particularly disaster relief and mitigation.

Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, Head of Information for the Secretary General of Kemhan, explained that the vessel is a gift from the Italian government through a government-to-government arrangement.

He stated that despite its status as a gift, the government is preparing budget allocations for maintenance, repair, and retrofit requirements.

“There is a connection to maintenance costs, repairs, and retrofit, because this ship is planned to be used for non-combat military operations, particularly disaster relief,” said Rico when confirmed on Thursday (26 February).

Rico explained that the helideck aboard the ship, which can accommodate up to six helicopters, will facilitate logistical distribution and personnel deployment during disasters. Additionally, smaller vessels could resupply fuel and logistics to the carrier.

“If we had possessed this ship earlier, such as during the disaster in Sumatra, it would have been easier for helicopters to distribute logistics, goods, and personnel without having to make repeated trips to bases or air bases that are quite distant. With this ship, operations would be more effective and efficient,” he stated.

He emphasised that Indonesia’s possession of the Giuseppe Garibaldi will not make the nation aggressive.

“There is no intention from our nation, the Indonesian nation, with possessing an aircraft carrier like this to be aggressive. There is no such intention. There is nothing invasive about it. Once again, this will be used for humanitarian assistance, operational or non-combat military operations,” he said.