The multinational military exercise, Garuda Super Shield 2024, officially began on Monday in Indonesia, marking the first time in its history that it has incorporated cyber threat scenarios. This year’s iteration of the exercise, running from August 26 to September 6, features over 4,500 personnel from countries including Indonesia, the United States, Australia, Japan, and the United Kingdom, with additional observers from nations like Malaysia and the Philippines.
The decision to include cyber threats in the exercise reflects growing concerns over digital warfare and cybersecurity in the Indo-Pacific region. Indonesia, having experienced significant cyberattacks in recent years—including a major incident in June 2024 that disrupted immigration services and several airport operations—sees this expansion as crucial to bolstering its defence capabilities. The Cyberex portion of the drills will focus on identifying, securing, and defending against cyber threats, aiming to enhance the cybersecurity readiness of the participating nations.
Garuda Super Shield began as a bilateral exercise between the U.S. and Indonesia in 2007 but has since evolved into a comprehensive, multinational event. This year’s exercises are being held across multiple locations in East Java and South Sumatra, including Surabaya and Baturaja. The drills include traditional military operations like land and air combat simulations, combat search and rescue, and amphibious operations, alongside the new focus on cyber warfare.
The inclusion of cyber threat exercises marks a significant shift in the strategic focus of the drills, underscoring the importance of digital defence in modern warfare. “This exercise allows us to build trust and strengthen multilateral relations while preparing for the realities of 21st-century threats,” said a spokesperson from the Indonesian military to local media.