JAKARTA, — Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL Indonesia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a framework for the modernization of KRI Sriwijaya-100, Indonesia’s first aircraft carrier and formerly the Italian Navy’s ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Modernization Partnership
The agreement was signed in Jakarta by Mauro Manzini, Vice President of Sales at Fincantieri’s Naval Vessels Division, and Djenod Kaharuddin, President Director of PT PAL Indonesia.
Under the MoU, both companies will jointly define the technical scope of the modernization program, including the activities and responsibilities involved.
Fincantieri will provide its knowledge of the ship’s original design and engineering, while PT PAL will contribute its capabilities in naval shipbuilding, systems integration, maintenance and support services.
The modernization is intended to improve the vessel’s effectiveness for defense, maritime security, humanitarian assistance and emergency disaster-response missions.
Former Italian Navy Ship
The vessel was originally built by Fincantieri at its Monfalcone shipyard and entered Italian Navy service in 1985 as Giuseppe Garibaldi. Italy later transferred the ship to Indonesia free of charge.
The vessel arrived at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta on September 18, 2026, and was formally commissioned into the Indonesian Navy as KRI Sriwijaya-100 on September 24, 2026.
The approximately 180-meter-long vessel has a flight deck for aviation operations. Indonesia plans to adapt its systems and equipment to meet Indonesian Navy requirements and operations in the country’s tropical maritime environment.
Wider Industrial Cooperation
The MoU also provides a framework for broader cooperation between Italian and Indonesian industrial and technology partners. The partnership is intended to support technology integration, local capabilities and Indonesia’s maritime and defense industry.
PT PAL has said the modernization work will involve assessment, engineering, system integration and testing, with other partners potentially involved in specific systems.
Growing Naval Cooperation
The agreement builds on Fincantieri’s cooperation with Indonesia, including the delivery of the PPA multipurpose combat ships KRI Brawijaya-320 and KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321.
Fincantieri CEO and Managing Director Pierroberto Folgiero said the agreement reflects the growing naval and defense relationship between Italy and Indonesia. He also described Southeast Asia as an important market for Fincantieri, with Indonesia playing a central role in its long-term regional plans.
The modernization partnership marks the next phase in the former Giuseppe Garibaldi’s service, as Indonesia works with its original builder to adapt the ship to Indonesian Navy requirements.
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