Jakarta, Sept. 24 -- Indonesian Navy Chief Admiral Muhammad Ali said the KRI Sriwijaya-100, Indonesia's first aircraft carrier, is ready to operate and carry out state duties.

"Yes, we are waiting for orders. The point is, this ship is ready," Ali said after attending a ceremony to name the aircraft carrier and raise the Indonesian flag aboard the vessel at Tanjung Priok Port, North Jakarta, on Thursday.

Ali said the aircraft carrier had previously been prepared to take part in a sailing pass in Jakarta Bay as part of the 81st anniversary celebrations of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) on Sunday (Oct. 4).

However, the event was canceled and replaced by a simpler celebration at TNI Headquarters in Cilangkap. The aircraft ca...