Indonesia welcomes its first aircraft carrier, prompting debate over cost and military ambitions

Indonesia has welcomed its first aircraft carrier, a former Italian warship named KRI Gajah Mada, into its fleet. The carrier, which arrived at a naval base in North Jakarta, is expected to enhance the nation's maritime security and disaster response capabilities. The 41-year-old vessel, once known as ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, will be converted to accommodate up to 10 medium-sized helicopters and serve as a mobile command center for disaster management.

However, the acquisition has sparked debate over the cost and necessity of the carrier for Indonesia's defense and disaster relief needs. Some analysts argue that the country should focus on more pressing financial matters instead of spending millions on an aging warship.