Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s first aircraft carrier, ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, has reached the Arabian Sea and is expected to enter Indonesian waters on September 17, the Indonesian Navy said Tuesday.
Navy information Chief First Adm. Tunggul said the carrier was sailing through the Arabian Sea and remained on schedule to arrive in Indonesia on September 17, barring any problems.
The carrier is being escorted by Italian Navy ships and will be met by Indonesian Navy vessels as it approaches Jakarta, Tunggul said.
At least two Indonesian frigates and aircraft from the Navy Aviation Center will escort the carrier into Indonesian waters, with an aerial embarkation drill planned during the voyage to Jakarta.
Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Muhammad Ali previously said Indonesia expected to receive its first aircraft carrier in September after its voyage from Italy.
Ali made the remarks in Jakarta on Aug. 24, when the through-deck ship left Italy for Indonesia to begin service under the Navy as KRI Gajah Mada. A naval base is being built in Lampung.
The vessel will retain its Italian name and flag until reaching Indonesia, when it will be renamed KRI Gajah Mada and fly the Indonesian red-and-white flag, Ali said.
The former Italian Navy vessel is expected to spend more than 20 days sailing to Indonesia alongside Italian warships, he said.
The carrier will travel through the Suez Canal and Red Sea under escort by Italian frigates and is expected to reach Indonesia between Sept. 15 and 20, Ali said.
President Prabowo Subianto is expected to attend the carrier’s inauguration on Sept. 25, when the Indonesian flag will be raised, Ali said.
Related news: RI plans aircraft carrier for helicopter disaster operations
Related news: Indonesian military holds joint drills ahead of carrier operations
Translator: W. Marison, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2026