Indonesia receives first aircraft carrier from Italy, sparking cost and ambition debate

Indonesia took delivery of the 41-year-old former Italian carrier ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, its first aircraft carrier, at Tanjung Priok port. The move signals a significant naval capability expansion for the archipelago, but opposition politicians and analysts question the true cost and strategic purpose, given the vessel's age and Indonesia's focus on maritime security and disaster response. The acquisition marks a notable shift in Indonesia's defense posture and regional power dynamics.