By Luke Allen
Jakarta, Indonesia – In a demonstration of regional cooperation and military prowess, Indonesia is hosting a large-scale multinational military exercise, “Super Garuda Shield,” involving approximately 7,500 personnel from ten countries. This significant event includes participation from the United States, Australia, Japan, Britain, Singapore, South Korea, Canada, New Zealand, and France.
The exercise, which aims to enhance interoperability and mutual understanding among the participating nations, features a diverse program that includes academic exchanges, professional development, command and control operations, airborne operations, joint strikes, amphibious exercises, and land operations.
“Super Garuda Shield” underscores Indonesia’s strategic importance in the region and sends a clear signal regarding its stance on the ongoing South China Sea issue. By resuming joint military exercises, Indonesia emphasizes its commitment to neutrality and reluctance to choose sides in territorial disputes while reinforcing its position as a key player in maintaining regional stability.
While not participating, China has also expressed interest in future bilateral exercises to build trust, recognizing Indonesia’s leadership role within ASEAN and its capacity to influence regional security dynamics.
This event marks a significant step in fostering closer military ties and enhancing defense readiness among the participating countries, aligning with broader goals of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. As Super Garuda Shield unfolds, it serves as a testament to the power of multinational cooperation in addressing contemporary security challenges.
