Indonesia Receives First Aircraft Carrier to Enhance Maritime Security > 월드뉴스

Indonesia has received its first aircraft carrier, a former Italian warship, aimed at bolstering the country's maritime security and disaster response capabilities. The 41-year-old ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi arrived at a naval base in North Jakarta’s Tanjung Priok port on Friday morning, where it was welcomed with a military ceremony. The Italian government agreed to transfer the retired vessel to Indonesia in March 2024, as part of efforts to enhance defense cooperation with Southeast Asia. This move also allows Italy to avoid the costs associated with decommissioning the ship.

With this acquisition, Indonesia becomes only the second nation in Southeast Asia to have an aircraft carrier, following Thailand's HTMS Chakri Naruebet, which was commissioned in 1997. The carrier will be officially commissioned into the Indonesian Navy next week as the KRI Gajah Mada, named after a prominent military leader from the 14th century. President Prabowo Subianto's administration has made defense development a priority, advocating for military expansion through the purchase of submarines, frigates, and fighter jets.

However, the acquisition of the Garibaldi has sparked intense debate among defense analysts, economists, and opposition politicians. Critics question the necessity of an aircraft carrier for Indonesia, especially given the significant financial burden of refurbishing and operating an aging warship amid rising fiscal pressures. The Indonesian finance ministry has approved $450 million in funding for the aircraft carrier program for 2025, but some lawmakers have warned that the total cost could exceed this amount.

TB Hasanuddin, a member of parliament’s Commission I, indicated that retrofitting the carrier alone could reach 16 trillion rupiah, approximately $900 million. Unlike major naval powers that utilize aircraft carriers for launching fighter jets, Indonesia plans to use the vessel as a mobile command center for helicopters, drones, and maritime operations across its vast archipelago. During a disaster management meeting earlier this month, President Prabowo emphasized the carrier's potential role in combating forest and peatland fires that frequently create hazardous haze in Southeast Asia.

The KRI Gajah Mada is expected to accommodate up to ten medium-sized helicopters and can carry substantial amounts of water for firefighting purposes. The Indonesian government envisions the carrier as a critical asset to enhance the nation's response capabilities in times of crisis.

A police officer in Victoria has been charged with assault following an investigation by the state's independent corruption watchdog. The senior constable faces charges stemming from allegations that he used excessive force against an 18-year-old during an arrest in Ballarat in October 2025. Reports indicate that the officer allegedly punched and kicked the teenager multiple times while the youth was handcuffed and compliant.

The officer is scheduled to appear in a magistrates' court next month to face the charges. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding police conduct and the use of force during arrests. The investigation was initiated following complaints about the officer's actions during the arrest, which have been described as inappropriate by various observers.

In a separate incident, emergency services were dispatched to Sorrento beach in Perth's north due to a possible shark-related event. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development reported receiving notifications about the incident at approximately 10:15 AM on Friday. Emergency services, including Water Police and ambulances, were deployed to assess the situation.

Western Australia police have stated they will provide further information once they have established the circumstances surrounding the incident. Meanwhile, the Victorian police officer's case continues to draw public attention, highlighting ongoing discussions about police accountability and the appropriate use of force in law enforcement.

Additionally, discussions regarding artificial intelligence and copyright laws have emerged, as AI companies express concerns over their ability to train models in Australia under current regulations. The attorney general's department confirmed that AI firms have indicated they cannot proceed without reforms to copyright laws, given the vast amount of data required for training. Rights holder groups argue that AI companies could negotiate a limited number of deals under existing rules, but companies assert that the scale of material needed makes such negotiations impractical.