Indonesia and the United States kicked off their annual joint military exercise, “Super Garuda Shield,” on Monday, with participation from 11 allied nations. The drills, which will run until September 4, are focused on bolstering regional security in the Asia-Pacific.
Training activities are being conducted in Jakarta, as well as across Sumatra and the Riau Islands. Over 4,100 Indonesian troops and 1,300 US personnel are involved, alongside forces from Australia, Japan, Singapore, France, New Zealand, Britain, and other partners.
While the exercises come amid heightened concerns over China’s expanding influence in the Pacific, Washington has emphasized the drills are not directed at Beijing.
