Indonesia Hosts Major Multinational Military Exercise Amid Rising Regional Tensions

Thousands of military personnel from Indonesia, the U.S., and eight other countries have commenced two weeks of joint exercises in Indonesia, focusing on enhancing collective capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region. The annual event, known as Super Garuda Shield, kicked off on August 26 in Sidoarjo, East Java, amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea.
The exercise involves over 4,400 Indonesian troops, approximately 1,800 U.S. troops, and several hundred personnel from other participating nations. First held in 2007, Super Garuda Shield has evolved into a major multinational event designed to improve joint operational capabilities and military cooperation.
Major-General Joseph Harris, Commander of the Hawaii Air National Guard, highlighted that the program includes expert academic exchanges, professional development workshops, command-and-control exercises, and field training. The exercise will culminate in a live-fire event and will feature a wide range of activities such as staff and cyber exercises, airborne operations, joint strikes, amphibious drills, and simulated land operations.
General Charles Flynn, commanding general of the U.S. Army Pacific, emphasized that the exercises demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a safe, stable, and secure Indo-Pacific region.
Super Garuda Shield runs until September 6 and includes participants from Australia, Japan, Britain, Singapore, South Korea, Canada, New Zealand, and France. Brazil, Germany, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, the Netherlands, Timor-Leste, and Papua New Guinea are attending as observer nations.