Image credits - The Jakarta Post
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Indonesia and the United States have launched their annual Super Garuda Shield military exercises, a high-profile event to enhance operational capabilities and foster international military collaboration. The two-week exercise, which began on Monday, features more than 4,500 personnel and is taking place in Sidoarjo, East Java province.
Since its inception in 2006, Super Garuda Shield has grown in scope and scale. This year’s drills include a diverse array of activities such as land and air operations, combat search and rescue, and engineering and cargo delivery exercises. In addition to U.S. and Indonesian forces, the drills see participation from troops from Australia, Japan, Britain, France, and New Zealand. Malaysia, the Philippines, and East Timor will observe the exercises, adding to the multinational dimension of the event.
One notable component of this year’s exercises is a joint exercise focused on cyber threats. This comes in response to a series of recent cyberattacks on Indonesian government services, including a major disruption in June that affected immigration systems and airport operations. The inclusion of cyber warfare simulations reflects the growing recognition of cyber threats as a critical aspect of modern military operations.
“The joint exercise is a way to build trust and strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations,” said Widyargo Ikoputra, an Indonesian military official. According to Rudy Hernawan, spokesperson for the Indonesian military, the exercises are designed to enhance military cooperation and interoperability among participating nations.
The timing of Super Garuda Shield is particularly significant given the current geopolitical climate. With tensions escalating between Beijing and Washington over issues like trade, Taiwan, and the South China Sea, the exercises underscore the strategic importance of the region. Despite concerns about potential conflicts in the South China Sea, Indonesian officials have emphasized that the drills are not directly related to these territorial disputes. Instead, they aim to increase cooperation and operational synergy among the participating countries.
The ongoing geopolitical competition between major powers and regional allies highlights the critical role of military exercises like Super Garuda Shield in maintaining stability and strengthening international partnerships in Southeast Asia.