Indonesia's new aircraft carrier primed for disaster relief across the archipelago

In a statement on Oct. 17, the head of the ministry's Information Office, Brig. Gen. Rico Sirait, declared that Indonesia’s inaugural aircraft carrier, KRI Sriwijaya-100, is prepared for disaster-response duties. Measuring 180 metres and displacing 12,000 tons, the ship can swiftly deliver emergency cargo and deploy relief teams when overland access is cut off.

While underway, it can serve as a floating airfield for a variety of helicopters and drones, lessening dependence on land-based bases. The government plans to employ the carrier for extensive logistics deliveries, evacuations, medical operations and other aid missions in remote or hard-to-reach locations across the nation’s thousands of islands. Beyond boosting humanitarian capacity, the vessel is intended to signal Indonesia’s growing self-sufficiency, emphasizing the use of domestic resources and expertise in its upkeep and modification. Officials expressed confidence that the carrier will significantly enhance both defence and humanitarian capabilities.