Indonesia's first Brawijaya-class frigate arrives home

KRI Brawijaya seen here while it was leaving Colombo on its journey home towards Indonesia. (Sri Lanka Navy)

Indonesia's first Italian-built offshore patrol ship has arrived in-country.

The vessel, which was commissioned as KRI Brawijaya with pennant number 320 in July, was officially welcomed by the Indonesian Navy at its Tanjung Priok base in North Jakarta on 8 September.

Brawijaya arrived at the base after completing a 44-day voyage from Italy and making ports of call at five countries along the way.

The arrival ceremony was led by Indonesian Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, who was accompanied by Indonesian National Armed Forces Commander General Agus Subiyanto.

“This is a proud moment, but also a challenge for us to maintain the skills and readiness expected by the Indonesian people,” Sjamsoeddin said in his address at the welcome ceremony, which was broadcast live on 8 September over various social media streaming services.

The minister also described Brawijaya as a vessel that will play a strategic role in protecting Indonesia's maritime resources, particularly in the face of increasing regional challenges.

Brawijaya is one of two multi-purpose offshore patrol ships (Pattugliatore Polivalente dʼAltura: PPA) that have been procured for the Indonesian Navy under a EUR1.18 billion (USD1.39 billion) contract announced by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in March 2024.

It was originally destined for the Italian Navy, and it was supposed to have been commissioned as ITS Marcantonio Colonna.

The other vessel in the contract, which would have been in service as ITS Ruggiero di Lauria, is now known as Prabu Siliwangi with pennant number 321. It is being prepared for delivery to Indonesia.