Indonesia and the US kicked off the annual “Super Garuda Shield” joint military drills on Monday, joined by forces from 11 nations. The large-scale exercise underscores efforts to reinforce regional security amid rising geopolitical tensions.
The training activities will be held in Jakarta, western Sumatra, and the Riau archipelago, running through September 4.
Around 4,100 Indonesian personnel and 1,300 American troops are taking part, supported by allied forces from Japan, Australia, Singapore, France, New Zealand, the UK, and other countries.
Although the drills come at a time of heightened concern over China’s assertiveness in the Pacific, US officials have emphasized that the training is not directed at Beijing, but instead aimed at improving cooperation and readiness among partner militaries.
