Indonesia seeks technology transfer alongside Italian aircraft carrier acquisition

Indonesia seeks technology transfer alongside Italian aircraft carrier acquisition

Indonesia's parliament is pushing for comprehensive technology transfers to accompany the acquisition of Italy's former aircraft carrier ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, as the country prepares to operate its first carrier-class vessel.

Utut Adianto, chairman of the House of Representatives' Commission I, emphasized Thursday that Indonesian naval personnel and engineers must receive direct training to operate and maintain the vessel. Speaking at parliament in Jakarta, he stressed the importance of hands-on learning for sailors and technical staff unfamiliar with carrier operations.

The 13,850-ton vessel, which served the Italian Navy for nearly four decades after being commissioned on September 30, 1985, was decommissioned on October 1, 2024. Measuring 180.2 meters in length, the carrier can accommodate up to 18 aircraft, including AV-8B Harrier II fighter jets and various helicopters.

Commission I, which oversees defense and security matters, completed processing the carrier transfer last month. Parliamentary approval is required for major defense equipment acquisitions in Indonesia.

The vessel is scheduled to arrive between September 15 and 20, according to Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali. During its voyage from Italy, the ship will retain its original name and fly the Italian flag. Upon arrival in Indonesian waters, it will be renamed KRI Gajah Mada and fly Indonesia's red-and-white flag.

Historical significance of new name

The carrier's Indonesian name honors Gajah Mada, a 14th-century prime minister of the Majapahit Empire who died in 1364 and is celebrated as a national hero for unifying the Indonesian archipelago. His enduring cultural significance is reflected in institutions such as Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta, Indonesia's first university, established in 1946.

Strategic implications for Southeast Asia

The acquisition will make Indonesia only the second country in Southeast Asia to operate an aircraft carrier, following Thailand. Thailand's Chakri Naruebet, acquired in the 1990s, has seen minimal operational use and lacks a fully functional fixed-wing aviation capability.

The Giuseppe Garibaldi brings extensive operational experience to Indonesian service, having participated in international missions in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Libya, Lebanon, and Somalia during its four decades with the Italian Navy.

However, the vessel will arrive in a modified configuration with non-functioning weapon systems, retaining only essential systems for safety, habitability, and propulsion. This arrangement underscores the need for technology transfer that Adianto emphasized, as Indonesian engineers will need expertise to restore and maintain operational capabilities.

Domestic industry development

Defense Ministry Spokesman Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait indicated the carrier acquisition aligns with broader objectives to strengthen Indonesia's domestic defense industry. The ministry expects the vessel to create opportunities for improving capabilities and involvement of the national maritime defense sector.

The acquisition fits within Indonesia's ongoing naval modernization under its Minimum Essential Force plan and Green-Water Navy blueprint, which envisions a 274-ship fleet divided into striking, patrolling, and support forces.

Italy's decision to transfer rather than decommission the vessel addressed maintenance costs estimated at approximately €5 million for 2025, with complete decommissioning potentially requiring 24 months.