Indonesia and the United States commenced their annual military exercises on Monday, involving over 4,500 personnel. The two-week-long drills, known as Super Garuda Shield, aim to enhance operational skills and strengthen military ties as the US seeks to bolster its presence in a region where China’s influence is growing.
Scope Of Super Garuda Shield
Since its inception in 2006, Super Garuda Shield has been a key element of US-Indonesian military cooperation. This year, the exercises include a range of simulations such as land and air operations, combat search and rescue missions, and exercises in engineering and cargo delivery. The drills are taking place in Sidoarjo, East Java province, and feature participation from troops of several other nations, including Australia, Japan, Britain, France, and New Zealand. Additionally, Malaysia, the Philippines, and East Timor are observing the exercises.
A notable component of this year’s programme is a joint exercise focused on countering cyber threats, an area of increasing concern for Indonesia. The country has faced multiple cyberattacks in recent years, including a significant attack in June that disrupted government services, including immigration and airport operations.
Strengthening Regional Ties
Indonesian military official Widyargo Ikoputra emphasised that the joint exercise is designed to build trust and strengthen both bilateral and multilateral relations among participating countries. The drills, while not directly linked to the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, are seen as part of broader efforts to increase military cooperation and interoperability among the participating nations.
Geopolitical Context
The exercises come at a time of heightened geopolitical competition between China and the US, marked by disputes over trade, Taiwan, and the behaviour of Chinese vessels in the South China Sea. Although Indonesia is a coastal state in the South China Sea, it has stated that the exercises are not connected to the maritime disputes but are intended to enhance military cooperation and readiness among allied nations.
Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia, have expressed concerns about the potential for dangerous escalation in the South China Sea, following numerous confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels. The Philippines, a key US ally, hosts thousands of US troops on a rotational basis, further highlighting the strategic importance of the region.
(With Inputs from Reuters)
