Indonesia and US Lead Major Joint Military Exercises with Allies

Joint military drills involving Indonesia and the United States commenced on August 25, 2023. These exercises, known as the annual “Super Garuda Shield,” will continue for more than a week and include participation from 11 allied countries. The drills aim to enhance stability in the Asia-Pacific region and will be conducted in Jakarta, as well as various locations on the western island of Sumatra and the Riau Archipelago, concluding on September 4.

More than 4,100 Indonesian troops and 1,300 American soldiers are participating, alongside military personnel from nations such as Australia, Japan, Singapore, France, New Zealand, and Britain. This year’s exercises have drawn attention due to the growing concerns from the US and its allies regarding China’s increasing assertiveness in the Pacific. Despite this context, Washington has emphasized that these drills are not intended as a direct response to Beijing.

Focus on Deterrence and Collaboration

During the opening ceremony, Samuel Paparo, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, described the current exercises as “the largest Super Garuda Shield ever.” He noted that the drills are designed to enhance the deterrence capabilities of the participating nations. “It represents deterring anyone that would hope to change the facts on the ground using violence with the collective determination of all participants to uphold the principles of sovereignty,” Paparo stated.

The program encompasses a variety of activities, including staff exercises, cyber defense drills, and live-fire events. The Indonesian military has also welcomed observers from countries like India, Papua New Guinea, and East Timor, highlighting the international interest in the exercises.

Indonesia follows a neutral foreign policy, striving to maintain positive relations with both Washington and Beijing. This balancing act reflects the country’s efforts to navigate the complexities of superpower rivalry while fostering regional security and cooperation.

Strengthening Partnerships

The Super Garuda Shield drills not only focus on military readiness but also emphasize the importance of building trust among the allied nations. Paparo expressed a commitment to continuous improvement across all domains of military operation, stating, “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.”

As the joint exercises progress, they underscore the strategic alliances forming in the region and the commitment of participating nations to uphold security and stability in the Asia-Pacific, amidst evolving geopolitical challenges.