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Jun 18, 20261
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Gadjah Mada and General Soedirman Proposed as Names for Indonesia's First Aircraft Carrier

Indonesia has acquired the Italian aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi and is considering naming it after historical figures Gadjah Mada or General Soedirman. The Navy is preparing a crew of 100 personnel and aims to have the ship arrive before October 5, 2026.
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Quick Facts
Who
Muhammad Ali
What
acquisition of Giuseppe Garibaldi
When
June 18, 2026
Where
Indonesia
- acquisition of Giuseppe Garibaldi
- naming proposal for aircraft carrier
- preparation of crew for carrier
- Muhammad Ali
- Rico Sirait
The Indonesian Navy has proposed naming the country's first aircraft carrier after the historic figures Gadjah Mada and General Soedirman. The vessel, formerly the Italian Navy's Giuseppe Garibaldi, was acquired by the Indonesian government through a grant process now in its final stages. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali confirmed that both names are under consideration, though no final decision has been made. He stated that the official name will be determined following input from the President or Minister of Defense. The Navy has prepared approximately 100 personnel as an advance crew for the carrier, with a target departure date of July 10, 2026, and hopes to have the ship in Indonesia before October 5, 2026. The delivery timeline may be affected by geopolitical conditions, including ongoing conflicts near the Strait of Hormuz, according to Brigadier General Rico Sirait, Head of Information and Data Processing at the Ministry of Defense. The Giuseppe Garibaldi measures 180.2 meters in length, can reach speeds of up to 30 knots (about 56 km/h), and is equipped with anti-aircraft missiles, anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and naval guns.
Why This Matters
This acquisition marks Indonesia's entry into the exclusive club of aircraft carrier-operating nations, significantly enhancing its naval power projection in the Indo-Pacific region. For defense analysts and regional observers, the naming choice carries deep historical symbolism, reflecting Indonesia's effort to link modern military capability with national heritage. The timeline and geopolitical risks involved (e.g., Strait of Hormuz) provide actionable insight for logistics planners and investors monitoring regional stability.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 2, 2026
WireBrigadier General Rico Sirait confirms the grant process is in the preparation stage for shipment.
Jun 18, 2026
WireAdmiral Muhammad Ali proposes naming the carrier after Gadjah Mada or Soedirman.
Jul 10, 2026
WireTarget departure date for the advance crew of 100 personnel.
Oct 5, 2026
WireTarget arrival date for the aircraft carrier in Indonesia.