Jakarta (ANTARA) – The aircraft carrier ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, which will be renamed KRI Gajah Mada, is scheduled to make its debut at the 81st anniversary of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) in October 2026 as part of a sailing pass.
The aircraft carrier will also serve as a vessel for very very important persons (VVIP) guests.
“Under the initial plan, the Garibaldi will take part as one of the vessels in the sailing pass for the 81st TNI anniversary,” Indonesian Navy Information Service Chief First Admiral Tunggul said when contacted by ANTARA in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Tunggul said the aircraft carrier would sail alongside a number of Indonesian Navy vessels as part of a naval parade featuring the country’s main weapons systems.
The Giuseppe Garibaldi is also planned to serve as a VVIP vessel for important guests, including the president, ministers, and TNI officials, during the naval weapons systems parade.
However, Tunggul did not provide details on the concept of the naval parade or the location of the sailing pass for the 81st TNI anniversary.
The ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi is currently sailing from Italy to Indonesia and is scheduled to arrive in mid-September 2026.
Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali had previously said the aircraft carrier was expected to arrive between September 15 and 20, 2026.
Ali said the ship was scheduled to leave Italy on Monday evening (Aug. 24).
During its voyage to Indonesia, the vessel will retain the name ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi and continue to sail under the Italian flag.
The ship will take more than 20 days to reach Indonesia, passing through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea under the escort of Italian frigates.
Upon arrival in Indonesia, the aircraft carrier, acquired through an intergovernmental grant, will be renamed KRI Gajah Mada and fly the Indonesian flag, Ali said.
He said the formal commissioning and flag-changing ceremony was planned for September 25, 2026, and was expected to be attended by President Prabowo Subianto.
“The President is planned to officiate the ceremony and be on board the Gajah Mada aircraft carrier,” he said.
Ali said the aircraft carrier would eventually be capable of operating helicopters belonging to the Indonesian Navy, Indonesian Air Force, and Indonesian Army. The Indonesian Navy will also provide training for pilots to enable them to land aircraft on the vessel.
Related news: Indonesia’s first aircraft carrier base enters finishing phase
Related news: Giuseppe Garibaldi: a new chapter in Indonesia’s maritime defense
Related news: Lampung Port for Garibaldi carrier reaches 76 percent completion: govt
Translator: Bayu Prasetyo
Editor: M Razi Rahman
Copyright © ANTARA 2026