Antara News·Indonesia·Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 01:41 PM

Indonesia's first aircraft carrier base enters finishing phase

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W. Marison, Tegar Nurfitra

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) assured that construction of the base for the country’s first aircraft carrier, the Giuseppe Garibaldi, in Lampung would be completed by the vessel’s arrival in September this year.

Head of the TNI AL Information Service First Admiral Tunggul told ANTARA in Jakarta on Tuesday that construction of the Lampung base is nearing completion.

“Regarding the readiness of the base infrastructure in Lampung, we have entered the finishing phase. The process is expected to be concluded by Garibaldi’s arrival in Indonesia,” he remarked.

Tunggul declined to disclose details about the various facility’s specifications but emphasized that it would be fully ready and operational by the end of next month.

A day earlier, Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali confirmed that Indonesia expects to welcome its first aircraft carrier in September following its voyage from Italy.

He made the statement in Jakarta on the same day that the through-deck aviation ship departed Italy for its new home in Lampung, where it will begin a new commission under the TNI AL as KRI Gajah Mada.

“Its name is still ITS Garibaldi for the time being, bearing the Italian flag. However, the vessel will switch to Indonesia’s red-and-white flag and be renamed KRI Gajah Mada once it arrives here,” Ali noted.

The admiral added that the former Italian Navy vessel would cruise for more than 20 days to reach Indonesia, accompanied by Italian warships.

"It will pass through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea, escorted by Italian frigates. We can expect the vessel to arrive in Indonesia between September 15 and 20," he pointed out.

He further disclosed that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to attend the aircraft carrier's inauguration on Sept. 25, which will be marked by the raising of the Indonesian flag.

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