The Aporia
Associated Press. (2026, September 18). Pride or practicality? Indonesia receives first aircraft carrier amid fears of upkeep cost. South China Morning Post. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3367983/pride-or-practicality-indonesia-receives-first-aircraft-carrier-amid-fears-upkeep-cost?utm_source=rss_feed
Associated Press. “Pride or practicality? Indonesia receives first aircraft carrier amid fears of upkeep cost.” South China Morning Post, 18 Sept. 2026, https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3367983/pride-or-practicality-indonesia-receives-first-aircraft-carrier-amid-fears-upkeep-cost?utm_source=rss_feed.
Associated Press. “Pride or practicality? Indonesia receives first aircraft carrier amid fears of upkeep cost.” South China Morning Post, September 18, 2026. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3367983/pride-or-practicality-indonesia-receives-first-aircraft-carrier-amid-fears-upkeep-cost?utm_source=rss_feed.
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On Friday, Indonesia welcomed its first aircraft carrier, the former Italian navy vessel ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, at a naval base in Tanjung Priok seaport, North Jakarta. The ship, which is 41 years old and can carry up to 18 helicopters or accommodate around 830 personnel, was gifted by Italy to strengthen Indonesia's maritime security and disaster response capabilities. Critics debate whether the acquisition, costing an estimated US$450 million with potential for higher expenses, aligns with national fiscal priorities amid economic pressures. The carrier will be formally commissioned as the KRI Gajah Mada next week, named after a famous 14th-century military leader. This move positions Indonesia as only the second country in Southeast Asia to have an aircraft carrier following Thailand.