HARIANEXPRESS – Indonesia’s first aircraft carrier, ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, has reached the Arabian Sea and is scheduled to enter Indonesian waters on September 17.
Navy Information Chief First Adm. Tunggul confirmed that the vessel remains on track to arrive on schedule, provided there are no obstacles. Italian Navy ships are escorting the carrier throughout the passage.
As it nears Jakarta, Indonesian Navy vessels will meet the carrier. At least two Indonesian frigates and aircraft from the Navy Aviation Center will provide an escort, with an aerial embarkation drill planned along the route.
Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Muhammad Ali previously noted on Aug. 24 in Jakarta that the ship had departed Italy to begin service under the Indonesian Navy. Upon arrival, the vessel will be renamed KRI Gajah Mada and fly the Indonesian red-and-white flag.
The voyage across the Suez Canal and Red Sea was estimated to take more than 20 days alongside Italian warships. The carrier was expected to reach Indonesia between Sept. 15 and 20.
President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to attend the carrier’s official inauguration ceremony on Sept. 25, when the national flag will be hoisted. In addition, a dedicated naval base is currently being constructed in Lampung to support operations.
