An expensive gift? The world's largest Muslim country has its first aircraft carrier

Indonesia has received the 41-year-old aircraft carrier "Giuseppe Garibaldi" as a gift from Italy, becoming the 17th country in the world to possess such a vessel. The ship, which will be renamed "Gajah Mada," is docked at the naval base in Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto claims it will strengthen maritime security and assist in natural disasters, but the opposition questions its necessity and economic viability.

Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim country, has received the 41-year-old aircraft carrier "Giuseppe Garibaldi" as a gift from Italy, becoming the 17th country in the world to possess such a vessel. The ship, which will be renamed "Gajah Mada" after a 14th-century military leader, docked this morning (Friday) at the naval base at Tanjung Priok Port in North Jakarta, where a military ceremony was held in its honor. President Prabowo Subianto, who is promoting a significant military expansion through the acquisition of submarines, frigates, fighter jets, and missiles, said the ship will strengthen maritime security and help authorities deal with forest and peatland fires and natural disasters, using it as a mobile platform for operating drones. However, the acquisition has sparked a heated debate among security experts, economists, and opposition politicians, who have questioned the need for an aging aircraft carrier and its economic viability. Indonesia's Ministry of Finance approved $450 million in funding for the program in 2025, but lawmakers have warned that the total cost could be much higher. Italy, for its part, transferred the ship as part of a move to deepen defense cooperation, saving itself decommissioning and disposal costs, while hoping for future deals to sell submarines and aircraft.