September 16, 2026 | 01:12 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Defense will heed President Prabowo Subianto's mandate to convert aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi into a platform for helicopters and drones to assist in combating forest fires. Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, Head of the Ministry of Defense's Information Bureau, said the Italian-built carrier is inherently capable of supporting disaster management, with a few adjustments.
A number of facilities on the Garibaldi are readily available to assist in firefighting efforts. "These include health facilities, a spacious cargo hold for materials, and a helipad that can support the mobility of personnel, medical personnel, logistical support, and evacuation," he said in a written statement, quoted on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
Adjustments to Be Made for Garibaldi Carrier
The Indonesian government will make several adjustments to the vessel to support the operational demand of the Indonesian Navy. "This includes modifying several rooms to expand the capacity of healthcare services," Rico said.
He explained that the Garibaldi will also be equipped with necessary equipment to facilitate the mobility and distribution of materials. With these modifications, he said, the vessel will not only serve a function in the defense sector but also in supporting Indonesia's humanitarian operations and disaster management. "Especially to reach archipelagic regions," he said.
The adjustments to Garibaldi are deemed necessary to help the vessel adapt to changing environmental conditions. One aspect concerns the air conditioning system, which must be adjusted to the country's tropical climate. "The system will also be modified to accommodate healthcare needs, including patients requiring special conditions or treatment," Rico said.
The Garibaldi aircraft carrier is currently en route to Indonesian waters. It is expected to arrive in Indonesia in the third week of September 2026. Previously, Prabowo announced plans to convert the Garibaldi into a helicopter base.
According to the head of state, the ship can accommodate 10 medium-class helicopters such as the Black Hawk and MI-17. Both helicopters are estimated to be able to carry an average of 4 to 5 tons of water to assist in disaster management. "So if we have 10 helicopters, they can immediately reach the areas hardest hit by fires. This will greatly help our response," Prabowo said last week.
Read: Garibaldi Aircraft Carrier to Join TNI Naval Parade in Jakarta Bay
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