Indonesia's navy officially commissioned its first aircraft carrier on Thursday, marking a significant step in enhancing the country's maritime capabilities and disaster response efforts. The vessel, formerly known as the Italian carrier ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, was renamed KRI Sriwijaya-100 and flew the Indonesian red-and-white flag during a ceremony at Tanjung Priok seaport in North Jakarta. The transfer was part of a broader agreement between Indonesia and Italy to strengthen defense ties in the region. The KRI Sriwijaya-100 was retired by the Italian Navy in 2024 and traveled for 25 days to reach Indonesia, passing through the Suez Canal, the Red Sea, and the Indian Ocean. The carrier is equipped to support short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft, as well as helicopters, making it a versatile asset for maritime operations. Indonesia plans to use the ship as a mobile command center for helicopters, drones, and other operations across its vast archipelago. President Prabowo Subianto highlighted the vessel's potential to assist in combating forest and peatland fires, which often produce hazardous haze across Southeast Asia. Italy's decision to transfer the carrier to Indonesia is part of a strategic move to increase its defense collaboration with the Southeast Asian nation. In exchange, Italy is seeking business opportunities in areas such as submarines and aircraft manufacturing. The transfer also allows Italy to avoid the costs associated with decommissioning the ship, making it a mutually beneficial agreement. Indonesia now joins Thailand as the second country in Southeast Asia to operate an aircraft carrier. Thailand’s HTMS Chakri Naruebet was commissioned in 1997 after being acquired from Spain. With the addition of the KRI Sriwijaya-100, Indonesia is further solidifying its role as a regional maritime power, capable of projecting influence and responding to security challenges across its extensive waters.