Annual Super Garuda Shield exercises commence with thousands of troops
The Super Garuda Shield military exercises, involving Indonesia, the United States, and allied nations, began on Monday with 4,700 soldiers. The drills, held across Sumatra and Borneo, include special forces infiltration and cyberdefence training. Indonesia maintains a neutral foreign policy while balancing ties with Washington and Beijing.
The exercises run through September 11 across multiple locations on Sumatra and Borneo, featuring special forces infiltration scenarios and cyberdefence training. Participating nations include Britain, France, and Japan, while East Timor, Italy, and Thailand have dispatched observers to monitor the proceedings.
Indonesia's "free and active" foreign policy is underscored by its naval drill with China earlier this month, which Taiwan condemned as a provocation. US Fourth Infantry Division commander Patrick Ellis described the exercise as vital for building the human architecture that keeps the Indo-Pacific safe, reflecting the nearly two-decade partnership.
These drills could influence regional security perceptions, particularly as Indonesia navigates its dual relationships with Washington and Beijing. Local communities near training areas may experience economic activity or temporary disruption. The exercise may reassure allies of collective defence capabilities, though it could also heighten tensions with China, affecting diplomatic and trade dynamics across Southeast Asia.