Indonesia acquisition of Italian aircraft carrier

Indonesia is in the process of acquiring the Italian aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi to bolster its disaster mitigation capabilities. The vessel, which will be renamed KRI Gajah Mada upon commissioning into the Indonesian Navy, is expected to arrive in Indonesia between September 15 and September 20, 2026. The ship is currently transiting through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea under Italian escort.

Admiral Muhammad Ali, Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy, stated that the carrier will dock in Colombo, Sri Lanka, before continuing its journey. It has recently passed through the Arabian Sea and is expected to enter Indonesian waters around September 17, 2026. Upon entering Indonesian maritime territory, the carrier will be met by at least two Indonesian Navy frigates and aircraft from the Navy Aviation Center. An aerial embarkation drill is planned during the final leg of the voyage.

President Prabowo Subianto has announced that the carrier will be repurposed as a mobile platform for helicopters and drones to assist in suppressing widespread forest and land fires. The vessel will be delivered without weaponry but will retain its propulsion, safety, and rescue systems. A formal commissioning ceremony and flag-raising ceremony are scheduled for September 25, 2026.

In conjunction with these maritime efforts, Indonesian authorities have intensified legal actions regarding forest and land fires. National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo reported that 138 suspects have been named, including 119 individuals accused of intentional burning and 19 for negligence. Investigations are also targeting eight corporations, following administrative actions that saw 18 companies face license suspensions and 42 have their licenses revoked.