Indonesia, the United States, and more than a dozen allied nations have commenced their annual joint military exercises aimed at strengthening defense capabilities and promoting regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. The drills, known as Super Garuda Shield, are scheduled to continue until September 11 and involve approximately 4,700 military personnel from countries including Britain, France, and Japan. Training is taking place across multiple locations within Indonesia, such as Sumatra and Borneo.
The exercises officially began at a military school in Bandung, east of Jakarta, where U.S. Army Major General Patrick J. Ellis, commander of the Fourth Infantry Division, emphasized the importance of ongoing preparedness in the region. He noted that the Indo-Pacific's security environment is complex and that military readiness must be maintained continuously rather than initiated in response to emerging crises. The training program features special forces infiltration operations and cyber defense components, reflecting a broad strategic focus on modern warfare capabilities.
Indonesia’s participation in the drills comes amid its continued efforts to balance relationships with major powers in the region. The country pursues a "free and active" foreign policy designed to maintain neutrality while fostering positive ties with both the United States and China. In April, Indonesia upgraded its defense relationship with the U.S. to a "Major Defence Cooperation Partnership," reflecting Jakarta's growing strategic significance as the world’s third-largest democracy and a key anchor of regional stability.
Earlier this month, Indonesia also conducted joint naval exercises with China, a move that drew criticism from Taiwan, which labeled the drills a "provocation." China's foreign and defense ministers recently met with their Indonesian counterparts to discuss expanded political and military cooperation. Plans are underway for further bilateral exercises later this year under the banner of Heping Garuda, a recurring joint drill focused on humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and military-to-military collaboration.
Indonesia’s strategic positioning is further underscored by its membership in the BRICS economic bloc alongside China and Russia and active engagement with the United States on economic and security matters. President Prabowo Subianto has sought to deepen trade ties with Washington, exemplified by a trade agreement signed with former U.S. President Donald Trump, and has joined the U.S.-led Board of Peace.
As Super Garuda Shield exercises progress, Indonesia continues to navigate its complex regional environment, seeking to strengthen defense capabilities while managing diplomatic relations among competing powers in the Indo-Pacific.