For a nation of more than 17,000 islands at the southern edge of one of the world’s most contested waterways, the idea of an aircraft carrier might seem like a bold, even necessary, step.
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But Indonesia’s dream of owning such a symbol of naval might is colliding with a harsh reality: the lack of money and, perhaps, need.
“It seems that we need an aircraft carrier for non-war military operations,” Admiral Muhammad Ali said at a press conference on February 6, citing humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and maritime security among the potential uses for such an oceangoing platform.
The naval chief’s remarks, reported by national news agency Antara, underline Indonesia’s desire to modernise its navy, which has recently acquired two Italian frigates and has plans for more upgrades.
Yet observers remain unconvinced that an aircraft carrier, often seen as the crown jewel of naval power, is the right choice for Jakarta.
A pricey symbol
The idea of acquiring an aircraft carrier specifically for non-combat operations “does not make strategic and operational sense”, according to Abdul Rahman Yaacob, a research fellow at the Lowy Institute’s Southeast Asia programme who specialises in defence and security.
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