Indonesian Navy to train 500 personnel in Italy for aircraft carrier

 The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) announced plans to send 100 personnel to Italy for training in preparation to crew the aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi, which has been the subject of bilateral grant talks.

“About 100 personnel are set to undergo training in Italy, enrolling in a program that includes onboard exercises during the vessel’s voyage from Italy to Indonesia,” Defense Ministry Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Rico Ricardo Sirait told ANTARA in Jakarta 

He described the training as the initial stage of preparations for prospective crew members before the aircraft carrier entered operation under the TNI AL.

Sirait did not disclose the training schedule but assured that the TNI AL would select the best soldiers with adequate technical skills and crewing experience for the vessel.

Earlier, Operation Assistant to the Navy Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Yayan Sofiyan highlighted that the service intends to station around 500 sailors on the ship, which will be Indonesia’s first aircraft carrier.

“It is critical to prepare personnel with special competencies as crewmembers of an aircraft carrier,” he remarked during an online discussion on Indonesia’s transition into a bluewater navy, held on Wednesday (Feb. 25).

Yayan added that the crew size could exceed 500, as the estimate already covers navigation and pilot teams but does not yet include other noncore personnel.

He went on to underscore the importance of preparing supporting infrastructure for the aircraft carrier, including berthing facilities, as well as technical and logistical requirements for long-term operations.

The officer acknowledged the demanding scale of preparations but expressed confidence that the TNI AL is positioned to properly welcome and optimally operate what will become the country’s first aircraft carrier.

Talks remain ongoing between Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense and the Italian side, including the ship’s manufacturer, Fincantieri.