Italy's parliament on April 28 approved the government's plan to donate the decommissioned aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi to Indonesia, paving the way for Jakarta to acquire its first aircraft carrier. Indonesian Navy Chief Admiral Muhammad Ali confirmed the vessel could be delivered as early as October 5, making Indonesia the second country in Southeast Asia, after Thailand, to operate such a platform.

The transfer is part of President Prabowo Subianto's broader defense modernization drive, which has included major arms purchases from Italy, France, and Türkiye since his tenure as defense minister. These deals include frigates, fighter jets, and submarines, aimed at strengthening Indonesia's military capabilities while maintaining strategic autonomy amid intensifying U.S.-China rivalry in the Indo-Pacific.

Indonesia has faced growing pressure over Chinese incursions near the Natuna Islands, which fall within its exclusive economic zone but are claimed by Beijing under the nine-dash line. While Indonesia does not recognize China's claims, a 2024 joint statement acknowledged the dispute for the first time, drawing scrutiny. Separately, a leaked U.S. document in April revealed a now-stalled agreement granting U.S. forces broad overflight rights, sparking domestic backlash.

Admiral Ali stated the Garibaldi would focus on non-combat operations, including disaster relief, but could also support combat missions. Retired Indian Commodore Deepak Bhatia noted that aircraft carriers are inherently power-projection assets, underscoring the vessel's strategic significance. The Giuseppe Garibaldi, built by Fincantieri and decommissioned in 2024 after nearly four decades of service, is classified as an aircraft-carrying cruiser.

Indonesian officials are expected to finalize technical and logistical arrangements for the carrier's transfer and integration into naval operations in the coming months. The Indonesian Ministry of Defense will provide an update on the acquisition timeline by early June.