Key facts
- The US and Indonesia launched their annual Super Garuda Shield military exercises.
- The drills involve over 4,700 personnel from 15 nations, including Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Canada.
- Exercises include tactical airborne jumps, missile firing, jungle training, and cyber defense.
- The drills follow a new defense cooperation partnership signed by the US and Indonesia in April.
- Indonesia aims to maintain good ties with both the US and China.
- The exercises will also incorporate humanitarian disaster relief efforts.
The United States and Indonesia have launched their annual Super Garuda Shield joint military exercises, involving over 4,700 personnel from 15 nations. The drills, which commenced on Monday and will run until September 11, encompass a range of activities including tactical airborne jumps, missile firing, jungle training, and cyber defense. This year's exercises are particularly significant as they follow the announcement of a new defense cooperation partnership between the two countries in April, aimed at supporting Indonesia's military modernization initiatives. Major General Patrick Ellis highlighted the historic nature of the bilateral relationship during the opening ceremony in Bandung. Indonesia continues to navigate a non-aligned foreign policy, seeking to maintain good relations with both the United States and China, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. The exercises also include a component for humanitarian disaster relief efforts, addressing the region's vulnerability to natural disasters like earthquakes and wildfires.