Article

Indonesia is reconsidering its maritime priorities as discussions about acquiring the aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi resurface, primarily justified on disaster relief grounds. Critics argue that aircraft carriers are ill-suited for humanitarian assistance due to their design and operational limitations.

Existing Indonesian naval assets, like the Makassar Class landing platform docks and hospital ships, are better equipped for disaster response. The acquisition of the carrier, costing up to $450 million, would strain the defense budget, diverting funds from critical maritime security needs such as patrols and surveillance. Enhancing logistical capabilities and inter-agency coordination is deemed more effective for disaster relief than investing in a carrier that does not align with Indonesia's strategic maritime challenges.