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.
Indonesia is acquiring the retired Italian aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi. Italy’s parliament approved the transfer of the 14,100-tonne vessel to Jakarta. The deal provides the Indonesian Navy with its first true aircraft carrier, greatly expanding its maritime aviation and operational reach in Southeast Asia.
