Indonesia Deploys 100 Sailors to Italy for Aircraft Carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi Training

The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) is sending 100 personnel to Italy in July 2026 to undergo training on the aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi, as part of preparations to operate the vessel. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali announced that the deployment is scheduled for July 10, with the selected crew members chosen based on their experience and backgrounds relevant to ship assignments.

The 100 personnel will form an advance crew task force (satgas) and receive both theoretical and practical training aboard the carrier while in Italy. Admiral Ali expressed hope that the ship and its crew would arrive in Indonesia before October 5, 2026, though he acknowledged that the final schedule depends on evolving circumstances.

According to Admiral Ali, speaking at a press conference at the Indonesian Navy Staff and Command School (Seskoal) in Cipulir, South Jakarta, the personnel were selected for their relevant prior experience in shipboard duties. During the training period, the sailors will gain hands-on experience aboard the Italian vessel.

Earlier, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations Rear Admiral Yayan Sofiyan highlighted that TNI AL needs to prepare approximately 500 sailors to fully crew the Giuseppe Garibaldi, including both core operational crew and aviation specialists. He noted that the total could exceed 500 when non-core personnel are included. Yayan also emphasized the need to prepare supporting infrastructure, such as berthing facilities, technical requirements, and logistics for extended deployments.

Rear Admiral Yayan expressed confidence that the Navy is ready to meet all requirements for optimal operation of the carrier. Currently, TNI AL is awaiting the acquisition process being handled at the Ministry of Defense level, involving Italian authorities and shipbuilder Fincantieri.