Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) is preparing to deploy its newly acquired aircraft carrier, the Giuseppe Garibaldi, into a floating helicopter base to strengthen national response capabilities against forest and land fires.
Speaking at the Navy Staff and Command School in Jakarta on Wednesday, Chief of Navy Staff (KSAL) Admiral TNI Muhammad Ali outlined the operational strategy for the vessel, which was transferred by Italy and will become Indonesia’s first carrier.
“The plan involves hosting not only Navy helicopters, but also those from the Army and Air Force on board,” Admiral Ali said.
Under the proposed framework, the ship will transport over 10 medium-class helicopters directly to maritime zones adjacent to wildfire hotspots.
From this offshore staging ground, aircraft will conduct water-bombing sorties into fire-affected areas before returning to the carrier to refuel.
Admiral Ali highlighted that the arrangement eliminates reliance on land-based fuel infrastructure, which is often unavailable in remote disaster zones.
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“Helicopters can return to the aircraft carrier, where aviation fuel is available, avoiding the need to land in areas lacking supporting infrastructure,” Ali said.
Beyond serving as an aviation hub, the Giuseppe Garibaldi will also leverage its large cargo capacity to transport logistics and supporting equipment needed during disaster response operations.
The strategic deployment aligns with directives from President Prabowo Subianto, who announced during a limited cabinet meeting on disaster management on Monday (September 7) that the vessel would be modified to support helicopter and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations.
“An aircraft carrier from Italy will soon enter our Navy’s ranks. We will modify it into a helicopter and drone carrier,” President Prabowo said, adding that deploying 10 water-transporting helicopters near active hot spots will significantly bolster emergency response times.
“We are preparing mitigation efforts in advance rather than waiting for disasters to occur,” he added.
The Giuseppe Garibaldi is currently en route to Indonesia from Italy. Following a scheduled port call in Colombo, Sri Lanka, the vessel is expected to arrive in Jakarta on Thursday (September 17).
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Translator: Walda Marison, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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