Indonesian Shipbuilders Ready for Carrier Challenge

Indonesia’s defense industry made headlines at the recent Indo Defence 2024 exhibition when local company Republikorp proudly showcased a concept model of an aircraft carrier equipped with Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones on its deck. The design appeared to take inspiration from the Italian Navy’s ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, though with several adjustments tailored for Indonesia’s needs.

Meanwhile, state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL has long proven its capability in constructing modern warships, including frigates, LPDs, and OPVs. Now, the nation has two promising paths: acquiring a used aircraft carrier from a partner country for immediate needs while continuing to develop a domestically-built carrier.

There’s nothing wrong with purchasing a used carrier as a temporary solution. Many developing countries do this to fill strategic gaps. What’s important is that Indonesia continues to invest in its own national shipbuilding projects to strengthen local expertise and industry capacity.

A second-hand aircraft carrier could be used for crew training, drone and helicopter trials, and as a mobile logistics base across Indonesia’s vast seas. At the same time, PT PAL and Republikorp should be encouraged to pursue their prototype aircraft carrier projects.

Having both efforts running in parallel can even foster healthy competition between state and private shipbuilders. The government should support both initiatives, letting them race to see who can deliver a functional, efficient design first.

Republikorp’s ski jump-style carrier design and PT PAL’s idea for a helicopter assault ship could both be viable options for Indonesia’s maritime needs. Their development would be more cost-effective, easier to maintain, and well-suited to Indonesia’s archipelagic geography.

Getting a used aircraft carrier shouldn’t be seen as a setback. It can serve as a vital training platform and operational stop-gap while local companies work on indigenous designs. More importantly, it helps the Navy build operational culture and experience in carrier-based operations.

The government should provide financial incentives, tax breaks for imported strategic materials, and R&D grants for national carrier projects. Both PT PAL and Republikorp deserve equal opportunities to contribute to this strategic goal.

With increasing tensions in the Natuna Sea and along Indonesia’s maritime borders, an aircraft carrier could become a key tool for air-sea patrol operations, disaster relief, and maritime defense. It’s a crucial capability for a country with one of the world’s largest exclusive economic zones.

Currently, only Thailand owns a functioning aircraft carrier in Southeast Asia. If Indonesia moves forward, it has the potential to become the region’s second maritime power with a capable air-sea platform.

The domestic construction of an aircraft carrier would also create major ripple effects for the local defense industry. Steel, weapons systems, radar manufacturers, and research centers would all benefit from participating in this long-term national project.

Eventually, Indonesia could even become a regional supplier of light aircraft carriers or drone carriers for friendly nations in ASEAN or Africa, opening new export opportunities within the next decade.

The government should consider forming a national coordination team involving the Navy, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Industry, PT PAL, Defend ID, and private firms. A joint working group like this could streamline decision-making and prevent overlapping interests.

In terms of design, Indonesia could choose between a ski-jump deck similar to Australia’s Canberra Class or a flat deck like France’s Mistral Class. Both are better suited to Indonesian waters than large fixed-wing jet carriers.

Looking ahead, Indonesia should also consider building drone carriers — smaller, cheaper vessels carrying combat and surveillance drones for patrolling key maritime zones. These would be more affordable and flexible than full-sized carriers.

Republikorp and PT PAL could split development tasks: Republikorp focuses on drone carriers, while PT PAL handles helicopter assault carriers. This way, Indonesia would cover both strategic needs effectively.

The Ministry of Defense could also explore tech partnerships with countries like Italy, Turkey, South Korea, or China to learn from their aircraft carrier development programs. Technology transfer must be a priority in any future cooperation.

Indonesia now stands at a key moment in building its maritime strength. Both purchasing a used carrier and constructing a new one at home are important moves to boost defense and maritime diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific’s increasingly competitive waters.

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