Indonesia: 'green water navy'

[Sandhi Yudha]

Yes most USD 450 mio already been talk by Indonesia Finance Guys to be used for:

1. Integrating Drone and Helicopter operation,
2. Upgrade systems mostly electronics but some weapon system,
3. Command fumctions.

The budget for drone and helicopter being provide seperately (seems AW 149 being choose by the navy) Ini spesifikasi AW149, helikopter incaran Kemhan untuk perkuat TNI AL but mostly for Combat Rescue operation. This shown the carrier mostly will be use as command amphibious and disaster relieve. Thus it will operate within Indonesia waters and not really for naval power projection.

For that I suspect they don't budget big for SD missile, and point defense shorad seems the best they are planning. Especially with most of the upgrade budget going for other electronics, command and flight integration systems.

There's also other rumour here that Marina Militare offer to TNI-AL some of their Aspide Missile stockpiles. The logic is because this carrier will be only maintain by Indonesian Navy up to 2040, when the plan indigenous build LHD come to operation. Thus Aspide stockpiles can still operational for a decade more.

Fincantieri also being talk facing Navantia-TAIS on offering design for LHD. The design must be set before 2030 if one can still be hope to be operational before 2040.

Looking to the budget of $450 million, and the age of the Giuseppe Garibaldi, it is indeed only enough for the overhaul of the ship and the three points you mentioned above.

I think the DARDO 40 mm twin guns will be kept, and the Aspide launchers replaced by Tetral Mistral launchers or 20 mm guns, for cost saving.

TNI-AL already has the AS565 Panther in its fleet, which is suitable for CSAR missions too, like the AW149, but is more compact and has foldable main rotors. Maybe Disnerbal needs larger helicopters for some tasks, or they can get it for a good price combined with the aircraft carrier.

 

[Ananda]

Fincantieri | Fincantieri and Republikorp establish strategic partnership for multi-role naval shipbuilding in Indonesia

<p class="Testo"><em><strong>Paris, June 17, 2026</strong></em> - At the Eurosatory defense and security exhibition in Paris, Fincantieri, one of the world’s largest and diversified shipbuilding groups, and REPUBLIKORP, Indonesia’s largest privately owned defense industrial holding company...

www.fincantieri.com

Republikorp CEO presence in Garibaldi sent away ceremony in Italy increasing possibility that it is not PAL that Fincantieri choose as partner to upgrade Garibaldi/Gajah Mada in Indonesia yard. Previously I thought on Noahtu yard in Lampung that being choose, however potential Republik Palindo yard in Batam can also candidate. Still all this just prediction.

Maybe Disnerbal needs larger helicopters for some tasks, or they can get it for a good price combined with the aircraft carrier.

So far this shown going to be AW149. Perhaps like AS565, some will be for CSAR, some will be wired for ASW.

 

[Ananda]

No wonder this Frenchie Salesman/Brokerage always talk trash for other Submarine programs. Whether coming from ROK, Turkiye, Japan or Italy. His client already got 4 Scorpene evo project.(2 Firm and 2 Strong option), but as broker he still want to get another project for Baracuda. The similar type that French offer Aussie, before Australia decide to join AUKUS SSN.

It is widely expected that asside Scorpene Evo that being build with PAL Surabaya, another submarine project build in foreign yard will need to be conducted, in order to get to the targeted submarine numbers. This is why Fincantieri offer U212NFS, TAIS of MILGEN, Hanwha Ocean of either modifies KSS2 or KSS3 and Japan refurbished Oyashio.

He always talk Indonesia should not go with more expensive submarine project due to fiscal limitation. Now that kind of talk being put asside by him, and suggest/demand procurement budget being increase so his Baracuda project can be added.

Like I said, I don't have problem with Salesman/Brokerage. However I distaste salesman that continue call himself 'independent' defense consultant in public. Either way, I put his video in here as this shown how far the submarine lobby outside Scorpene Evo project progressing. Frenchie salesman try his luck too far in my opinion, as no way Indonesia fiscal budget can afford both Scorpene Evo and Baracuda. That Suffren base SSK is simply too expensive.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

No wonder this Frenchie Salesman/Brokerage always talk trash for other Submarine programs. Whether coming from ROK, Turkiye, Japan or Italy. His client already got 4 Scorpene evo project.(2 Firm and 2 Strong option), but as broker he still want to get another project for Baracuda. The similar type that French offer Aussie, before Australia decide to join AUKUS SSN.

It is widely expected that asside Scorpene Evo that being build with PAL Surabaya, another submarine project build in foreign yard will need to be conducted, in order to get to the targeted submarine numbers. This is why Fincantieri offer U212NFS, TAIS of MILGEN, Hanwha Ocean of either modifies KSS2 or KSS3 and Japan refurbished Oyashio.

He always talk Indonesia should not go with more expensive submarine project due to fiscal limitation. Now that kind of talk being put asside by him, and suggest/demand procurement budget being increase so his Baracuda project can be added.

Like I said, I don't have problem with Salesman/Brokerage. However I distaste salesman that continue call himself 'independent' defense consultant in public. Either way, I put his video in here as this shown how far the submarine lobby outside Scorpene Evo project progressing. Frenchie salesman try his luck too far in my opinion, as no way Indonesia fiscal budget can afford both Scorpene Evo and Baracuda. That Suffren base SSK is simply too expensive.

1. In the near future, TNI-AL will have 2 Scorpène Evolved, 3 Type 209/1400 and 6 DRASS DGK submarines. If TNI-AL eventually wants to have 12 submarines, one additional Scorpène Evolved will be a cost effective and logic solution. And like you said, we don't have the budget for something larger like the Barracuda/Attack/Orkaklasse.

2. What your friend Alman Helvas is doing is not unique, pretending to be a objective neutral honest defence expert or journalist, but actually being subjective, a professional salesman and/or having a double agenda. Some journalists are serving companies, others governments, their own or foreign governments.
Same with NGO's, think tanks and other vague organizations. Even Bellingcat, a so called investigative journalism group that specialises in fact-checking and open-source intelligence, founded by a 'citizen journalist'. They only investigate and expose atrocities and warcrimes committed/performed by certain countries.

So what Alman is doing is perhaps wrong, but not uncommon. And by manipulating the public opinion by using Twitter, Youtube, CNBC Indonesia and other channels, he can effectively brainwash fanboys and some politicians. Even if his statements are often contradicting, many people have a bad memory and just consume everything whatbthey see on internet. So he is maybe a bad journalist, but quite an effective salesman.

 

[Ananda]

If TNI-AL eventually wants to have 12 submarines, one additional Scorpène Evolved will be a cost effective and logic solution

PAL CEO already talk to media, that the agreement with NG is for 2+2 Scorpene Evo. As for DRASS DGK, I don't know if the number still 6, as previously Italian media talk on 2 DGK as firm contract. One thing for sure another set of Submarine from foreign yard need to be procure (for target number), as PAL will be focus for 4 Scorpene Evo up to next decade.

pretending to be a objective neutral honest defence expert or journalist, but actually being subjective, a professional salesman and/or having a double agenda. Some journalists are serving companies, others governments, their own or foreign governments.
Same with NGO's, think tanks and other vague organizations. Even Bellingcat, a so called investigative journalism group that specialises in fact-checking and open-source intelligence, founded by a 'citizen journalist'. They only investigate and expose atrocities and warcrimes committed/performed by certain countries.

This is what happen with social media and online journo, influencers now days. I don't want to have heavy online policing like CCP done on Weibo and other Chinese online. However any influencer, NGO, Journo has to be transparant on their political agenda. The problem is public should known each channel, media, podcast, forum agenda. Everyone has their own agenda this days, the regulations should be there to force them transparant on their agenda, but not to hindered their opinion.

NGO in many developing nations including Indonesia talk about openess, transparancies, but at same time not want to be open on where their donor money coming from. Public should be aware where their money coming from, thus known what agenda to be expected from them.

 

[Ananda]

Photo of Paolo Thaon di Ravel (1st PPA) conduct escort on Garibaldi. Put it here as with 2 PPA already in Inventory, the similar situation more likely happen soon within TNI-AL. Infact it is speculate one of their PPA (either Brawijaya or Siliwangi) will escort Garibaldi after Colombo to Indonesia water.

 

[Ananda]

1.4K views · 66 reactions | #info Testing & Assembly Validation DS8 SDV di galangan kapal PT. Palindo Marine, Batam. | الهيثم

#info Testing & Assembly Validation DS8 SDV di galangan kapal PT. Palindo Marine, Batam.

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DRASS DS8 SDV Swimmer being tested after assembly in Republik Palindo facility in Batam. This swimmer supposedly piggy back on DRASS DGK Submarine.

Before DRASS already trial the swimmer on Italian water. Now after assembly in Batam, it is done trial with Indonesia tropical water.

 

[Ananda]

RI plans aircraft carrier for helicopter disaster operations

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto unveiled the government’s plan to use and modify ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, Indonesia’s first carrier en route ...

en.antaranews.com

This is not really new, as from beginning of deal for Garibaldi already include being use for Drone and Helicopter carrier for Naval and Disaster Relieve duties. Some enthusiast talk that by mention Blackhawk, there is possibility Blackhawk order being exercise.

They should also remember that The national disaster recovery agency (BNPB) already from time to time lease converted Blackhawk, KA-32, Mi-8, Mi-17 for natural disaster work, including fire fighting water boom. So this is not something new, as JMSDF also use their LST Flat Top to transport Chinook to Indonesia on helping forest fire fighting.

 

[Ananda]

Keris FB circulate GPS tracking image of Garibaldi closing in to Colombo. Colombo will be the last stop over before going to Indonesia water.

Video circulate for couple of days from ITS Carabiniere doing farewell pass with ITS Garibaldi after passing Bab-el-Mandeb strait toward Gulf of Eden. ITS Carabiniere act as escort to pass that strait.

5.2K views · 376 reactions | Farewell sailing pass FREMM Carabiniere (F 593) Carlo Bergamini-class frigate, setelah menyelesaikan misi pengawalan Garibaldi dari Italia sampai Samudra Hindia. Setelah menyelesaikan masa baktinya selama 39 tahun bersama Angkatan Laut Italia, ITS Garibaldi akan melanjutkan pengabdian di rumah barunya, Angkatan Laut Indonesia. Grazie, Italian Navy, for escorting her to her new home. We will take care of her with all our love. Obbedisco! #Info | Vikar Putra Malela

Farewell sailing pass FREMM Carabiniere (F 593) Carlo Bergamini-class frigate, setelah menyelesaikan misi pengawalan Garibaldi dari Italia sampai Samudra Hindia. Setelah menyelesaikan masa baktinya...

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This video circulate from Indonesia forum, however originate from IG own by Italian crew.

 

[Ananda]

ya begitulah (@049_dwi) on X

TNI AL dapat tawaran kapal selam interm, pembangunan KSOT serta Midget Submarine

x.com

https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2026/09/09/14391611/ksal-sebut-ri-ditawari-kapal-selam-sementara-oleh-negara-negara-lain

TNI-AL chief confirm that Interim Submarine is the strategy that they want to pursue, as time gap for Scorpene completion will be at least 8 years. Eventough PAL and NG already plan to speed up the production with pararel production lines, still it will take time to finish the plan 2+2 production.

Just being talk before, the interim submarine means MinDef want to get submarine operational within current administration period. Thus I suspect must be ready within couple of years. This means:

• Refurbished second hand submarine that currently operational within exporting country fleet,
• Taking submarine from exporting country navy own production line that already finish or close to finish.

The Navy Chief talk several nations already have offering scheme for this interim submarine. He does not mention the name, but from media and rumours (online and non online) four nation that already send marketing lobby for this purpose. They are Japan, China, ROK and Italy, but also heard rumours Russia still pursue their Kilo for this.

He also talk Midget Submarine (DRASS) and Unmaned Submarine (PAL KSOT), will also being taken to enhance TNI-AL operation. I suspect those will be use for chocke point defense and infiltration functions.

Either way the final decision which supplier going to be choose will decide by MinDef in near future. He also hinted possibilities more than one nation as source for Interim Submarine. Empasises on time availability seems important factor as he talk TNI-AL can not wait the Scorpene with only 4 current 209 as Submarine.

 

[Ananda]

Nevesbu Unveils SIGMA 9113 Corvette Refurbishment Concept for Indonesia - Naval News

Dutch naval engineering firm Nevesbu has presented its concept design for the refurbishment of the Indonesian Navy’s (TNI AL) Damen-built SIGMA 9113/Diponegoro-class corvettes.

www.navalnews.com

Nevesbu seems going to choose for another Corvette MLU job as lead design integration. Previously they already got Bung Tomo Class Corvette MLU, now seem they are going to get SIGMA 9113 Corvette MLU Job.

Still the design scope seem not me as extensive as MLU on Bung Tomo class. Bung Tomo MLU asside electronics also doing changes on VLS Missile from Sea Wolf VL to MICA VL. For SIGMA 9113 seem mostly on electronics.

 

[Ananda]

For TNI-AL aniversary, 'local suppliers' send their aniversary card with shown their product or product that they've arrange. Some quite interesting:


This Falah design shown what appear to be Polish MMC Stealth Logistic Support vessels.

MMC & Remontowa Shipbuilding Unveiled a Stealth Logistic Support Vessel Project

MMC & Remontowa Shipbuilding Unveiled a Stealth Logistic Support Vessel Project

www.armyrecognition.com

While Lundin (North Sea Boat) send card with their Light Attact UAV.



Republikorp send card with ex Garibaldi now being call KRI Sriwijaya. Before it is being speculate it will call KRI Gajah Mada. The naming of ancient kingdom seems in line with TNI-AL nomenclature on using ancient kingdom if they have carrier or LHD. This also shown that Republikorp going to have involvement with the Fincantieri lead modification project.

Seems the naming of ex Garibaldi still not fix yet.

Also cirrculating the first OPV 98 Corvette seems going to be operational soon. It is projected it will be ready for sail pass during 5th October TNI 81st aniversary

 

[Ananda]

What if this being procure with Leonardo+Aselsan stuff integrated with China electronics and radars plus Roketsan or MBDA Missiles ? Interesting or random strategies ?

Remember basically Thailand Naresuan frigates also choose that path. So it has precedence.

 

[Ananda]

Circulating online in local forum of Garibaldi leaving Colombo. It's predicted within 3 days it will reach Indonesia water and being escorted by one of TNI-AL PPA around Sabang island.

With only 100 crew being trained on this journey, it will take time to have full TNI-AL crew to run this Carrier. In fact to manage skeleton crew to bring this carrier to Indonesia, the Marina Militare crew still outnumbered TNI-AL crew.

It is being speculate whether Garibaldi upgrade will be taken place first, to give time training TNI-AL crew. Lots of work to be done before this carrier can be integrated to TNI-AL fleet.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

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Circulating online in local forum of Garibaldi leaving Colombo. It's predicted within 3 days it will reach Indonesia water and being escorted by one of TNI-AL PPA around Sabang island.

With only 100 crew being trained on this journey, it will take time to have full TNI-AL crew to run this Carrier. In fact to manage skeleton crew to bring this carrier to Indonesia, the Marina Militare crew still outnumbered TNI-AL crew.

It is being speculate whether Garibaldi upgrade will be taken place first, to give time training TNI-AL crew. Lots of work to be done before this carrier can be integrated to TNI-AL fleet.

I wonder if it will sail to Lampung, its future homebase, or if it will continue to Jakarta, after all, the main reason of this voyage, is to show it off during 5 Oktober.

Hopefully after a decent overhaul and modernisation, it can serve the navy for at least 20 years in a proper way, and not ending up like Chakri Naruebet.

 

[Ananda]

Additional TNI-AL crew (on top 100 that already in carrier) for ex ITS Garibaldi already being prepared. Officialy seems the name being choose is KRI Sriwijaya. So this confirm the TNI-AL nomenclature to use old kingdoms name for Carrier or LHD.

Wondering if KRI Gajahmada will be use for FMP#2 or rumoured PPA#3. Personally I'm more incline to believe for PPA#3 then Type 52D#1 that circulate lately. Financing facilities trail/foot print for large Chinese assets has not shown yet. I trust more on Financial trail/foot print then rumours from sales lobby.

Beside, if Indonesia do having AAW Destroyer, then probably classified similar as olden days Cruisers (like old days destroyer now more to Frigate, and old Frigare more to Corvettes/Light Frigate). Thus the nomenclature should use big islands name. Something that already happen from Dutch East Indies Navy (Java and Sumatra), and Soekarno era ALRI (Irian).

Add from Keris FB:

Already close to Indonesia water.

 

[Ananda]

Already in Indonesia part of Malacca Strait,



The escort already clossing in to meet it. I predict they will meet near Batam. The image from Keris FB.

Well it is clear that one of main function from those PPA, is also to be part of the carrier escort. Fitting Italian build carrier being escort by Italian build Frigate.

 

[Ananda]

https://en.antaranews.com/amp/news/431285/navy-prepares-escort-for-garibaldis-arrival-in-indonesian-waters

Yesterday TNI-AL say they are preparing 2 Frigate to escort Garibaldi entering Indonesia Water. Now shown both PPA will be the escort, and I sense will shown the 'carrier' group to come. Well off course the Carrier Group that TNI-AL can afford.

 

[Ananda]

From a Singaporean Photography FB, shown this morning already passing Singapore toward Batam/Riau Islands water. Prabowo already order the ship to be use ASAP as Helicopter Carrier to fight forest fires.



Garibaldi escorts closing in and expected they will near Batam-Bintan waters.

 

[Ananda]

120 reactions · 5 comments | #Info Its Giuseppe Garibaldi (KRI SRIWIJAYA) saat memasuki perairan Batam source TikTok : @satri_ardiyanto | Farid Ramadhan

#Info Its Giuseppe Garibaldi (KRI SRIWIJAYA) saat memasuki perairan Batam source TikTok : @satri_ardiyanto

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Video on Garibaldi in Singapore Strait begin to circulate in local forum. Well properly maintain and provide enough operational budget, this carrier still can operate for another 20 years. TNI-AL actually have reasonable good record maintaining 40-60 years old assets .