Indonesia, US Begin Annual Super Garuda Shield Exercises

Indonesia and the United States have launched the Super Garuda Shield military exercises, involving over 4,500 personnel from 11 countries, as part of a two-week initiative to enhance operational skills in the Asia-Pacific region amid rising tensions in the South China Sea. The drills, hosted in Sidoarjo, East Java, include activities such as land and air operations, combat search and rescue, cyber exercises, and culminate in a live-fire event. Participating nations include Australia, Japan, Britain, France, and New Zealand, while observer nations include Malaysia, the Philippines, and East Timor. Indonesian officials emphasize that the exercises aim to foster military cooperation and interoperability, rather than escalating tensions related to the South China Sea. The Super Garuda Shield, first held in 2007, reflects a broader commitment to maintaining stability in the region, as geopolitical competition between China and the U.S. intensifies. The drills will continue until September 6, showcasing a united front among allies in the face of regional challenges.