Indonesia Navy proposes historical figures' names for first carrier

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Navy has proposed naming the country's first aircraft carrier after historical figure Gajah Mada or national hero General Soedirman, with the final decision subject to approval by President Prabowo Subianto and Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.

"One of the proposals is Gajah Mada, and another is Panglima Soedirman," Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Muhammad Ali said.

Speaking at the Naval Command and Staff College in South Jakarta on Thursday, June 18, Ali did not elaborate on the reasons behind the selection of the two historical figures as potential names for Indonesia's first aircraft carrier.

Gajah Mada was the powerful military and political leader of the Majapahit Empire and is best known for the Palapa Oath, which is widely regarded as an early vision of unity across the Indonesian archipelago.

Soedirman played a key role in Indonesia's military struggle during the country's fight for independence and was one of only three Indonesian generals awarded the nation's highest five-star military rank.

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Ali said the proposed names would be submitted to President Prabowo and Defense Minister Sjafrie for review and approval before a final decision is made.

Once approved, the chosen name will be formally assigned to the vessel when it arrives in Indonesia in 2026, he said.

The carrier, currently named Giuseppe Garibaldi, shares a connection with two recently acquired Indonesian Navy frigates, KRI Brawijaya 320 and KRI Prabu Siliwangi 321, which were also built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri.

The 180.2-meter vessel is powered by high-performance propulsion systems capable of reaching speeds of up to 30 knots, or about 56 kilometers per hour.

The carrier is equipped with electronic warfare and radar-jamming systems, as well as weapons including Mk.29 octuple launchers for Sea Sparrow or Selenia Aspide surface-to-air missiles, twin Oto Melara 40L70 DARDO guns, triple 324 mm torpedo tubes, and Otomat Mk 2 anti-ship missiles.

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Translator: Walda M, Rahmad Nasution

Editor: Martha Herlinawati Simanjuntak

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