Indonesia and the United States have commenced extensive joint military drills, referred to as “Super Garuda Shield,” aimed at reinforcing stability in the Asia-Pacific region. These annual exercises began on Monday and are set to continue until September 4. They are being staged in Jakarta, as well as various locations in Sumatra and the Riau archipelago.
This year’s drills mark a significant increase in participation, with over 4,100 Indonesian troops and 1,300 from the United States involved. The exercises also feature participation from allies including Australia, Japan, Singapore, France, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, among others, contributing to a total of 11 countries collaborating in this effort.
The backdrop of these drills includes heightened concerns from the U.S. and several allied nations regarding China’s assertive actions in the Pacific. However, officials from Washington have maintained that the exercises are not explicitly designed to counter China. Samuel Paparo, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, emphasized during the opening ceremony that this year’s Super Garuda Shield is the largest to date. He asserted that the exercises are intended to enhance deterrence among participating nations, while avoiding explicit mention of any adversaries.
Paparo remarked, “It represents deterring anyone that would hope to change the facts on the ground using violence.” He also emphasized the importance of building trust among partners. “We do this by getting better every day across all domains… so if the unforgiving hour comes when we need each other as partners, we pick up the phone and we begin operating from a basis of deep trust,” he stated.
The military program includes various activities ranging from staff exercises and cyber defense drills to a live-fire event, as outlined by the Indonesian military. Moreover, countries such as India, Papua New Guinea, and East Timor are participating as observers, reflecting the broader interest in regional security dynamics.
Indonesia, for its part, continues to navigate its foreign policy by maintaining neutrality and fostering positive relations with both Washington and Beijing, carefully balancing its stance amidst the ongoing superpower rivalry.
