Indonesia’s first aircraft carrier ready for disaster response

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2 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Defense Ministry has assured the public that Indonesia’s first aircraft carrier, KRI Sriwijaya-100, is ready to provide reliable support for non-combat military operations, particularly disaster response.

In a press statement issued on Saturday (Oct. 17), the head of the ministry’s Information Office, Brig. Gen. Rico Sirait said the aircraft carrier’s presence is especially important for Indonesia, given its vast maritime territory and vulnerability to natural disasters.

He emphasized that KRI Sriwijaya-100 is capable of ensuring the rapid and uninterrupted delivery of emergency logistics and the deployment of relief personnel to disaster-affected areas when land access is cut off.

Sirait added that the vessel, which measures 180 meters in length and displaces 12,000 tons, can serve as a floating air base for a wide range of helicopters and drones while underway, reducing Indonesia’s reliance on land-based facilities during disaster response operations.

“These capabilities are vital for Indonesia as a country with a vast maritime area, thousands of islands, and a high risk of natural disasters,” he stressed.

He further emphasized that the government intends the aircraft carrier to support humanitarian missions across the archipelago, ranging from large-scale logistics deliveries and disaster evacuations to medical operations and emergency response efforts in remote and hard-to-reach areas.

In addition to strengthening the military’s maritime and humanitarian capabilities, the vessel is also expected to help demonstrate Indonesia’s growing self-reliance, he said.

He highlighted the prioritization of domestic resources and expertise in maintaining and modifying the ship, saying the approach forms part of broader efforts to accelerate the development of Indonesia’s technological capabilities and defense industry.

Sirait expressed confidence that the aircraft carrier would make significant contributions to the country’s defense and humanitarian response capabilities.