Indonesia and U.S. Launch Major Military Drills Amid Rising Regional Tensions

Indonesia and the United States started two weeks of annual military exercises with over 4,500 personnel involved. The drills, named Super Garuda Shield, aim to enhance operational skills and include participation from various countries. The event occurs amidst geopolitical tensions between China and the U.S. in the region.

Indonesia and the United States have commenced their annual military exercises, designated Super Garuda Shield, on Monday, involving over 4,500 personnel. The two-week training aims to enhance operational skills as the U.S. seeks to bolster its presence in a region increasingly influenced by China.

Hosted in Sidoarjo, East Java province, the exercises include land and air operations, combat search and rescue, and joint exercises against cyber threats. Additional troops from Australia, Japan, Britain, France, and New Zealand are participating, with observers from Malaysia, the Philippines, and East Timor.

The military drills come at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions between Beijing and Washington, particularly concerning trade disputes, Taiwan, and the South China Sea. However, Indonesian officials have stated that the exercises are intended to increase military cooperation and interoperability among participating nations.

(With inputs from agencies.)