US and Indonesia Launch Super Garuda Shield Military Drills

The United States and Indonesia launched the annual Super Garuda Shield joint military exercises on August 31. The drills, which run through September 11, involve more than 4,700 personnel from 15 nations, including Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. India is participating as an observer for the first time. The exercises officially began at the Indonesian Armed Forces’ School of Command in Bandung.

Activities are taking place across Sumatra, Borneo (Kalimantan), and Lampung, including training at the Baturaja Combat Training Center. The program encompasses cyber defense, special forces infiltration, airborne operations, jungle training, amphibious maneuvers, and humanitarian assistance. This iteration marks the first since the two nations established a Major Defense Cooperation Partnership in April to modernize the Indonesian military.

Indonesia continues to pursue a non-aligned foreign policy while expanding these ties. The government recently hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin and maintains close strategic relations with China, having held joint navy drills earlier this month and planning future Heping Garuda exercises. Despite these ties, President Prabowo Subianto has signed a trade deal with U.S. President Donald Trump and joined the BRICS bloc last year. The exercises will conclude in Jakarta on September 11.