Fincantieri and PT PAL sign MoU to modernize Indonesia’s former Italian carrier KRI Sriwijaya

Overview

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and Indonesia's state-owned PT PAL have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a modernization programme for the Indonesian Navy's KRI Sriwijaya, the former Italian Navy aircraft carrier ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi. The agreement was signed in Jakarta by Mauro Manzini, Vice President Sales of the Fincantieri Naval Vessels Division, and Djenod Kaharuddin, President Director of PT PAL Indonesia.

What the MoU covers

The MoU establishes a joint process to define the programme's scope, assign activities and allocate responsibilities between the two companies. It sets up collaboration on technical workstreams, integration tasks and planning to modernize the platform and prepare it for extended service in the Indonesian fleet.

Roles and capabilities

Fincantieri will contribute detailed knowledge of the platform as the original designer and builder. The company built the vessel at its Monfalcone shipyard and delivered it to the Italian Navy in 1985. PT PAL will leverage its existing capabilities in naval shipbuilding, systems integration, maintenance and in-service support to execute modernization work locally.

Operational goals for the ship

The stated intent of the programme is to increase the vessel's operational effectiveness across a broad range of missions: defence and maritime security operations, humanitarian assistance and emergency response. The agreement also aims to support Indonesia's long-term capability development for its navy and wider maritime ecosystem.

Industrial and technology aims

Ship background

Originally commissioned as the aircraft-carrying cruiser ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, the vessel was constructed by Fincantieri at Monfalcone and entered Italian service in 1985. It was recently commissioned into the Indonesian Navy as KRI Sriwijaya.

Next steps and implications

The MoU is a framework agreement: the two builders will now jointly define detailed programme elements, invite other stakeholders, and plan workstreams that combine foreign design knowledge with local execution. If implemented, the programme could deliver a modernized carrier able to perform diverse missions and provide an avenue for Indonesia to expand domestic shipbuilding and integration skills.

Bottom line

The agreement formalises cooperation between the ship's original builder and Indonesia's main naval yard to transform an older carrier for new roles while aiming to grow local industrial capabilities and introduce advanced systems through partnered work.