Indonesia, US and allies launch annual military drill
Indonesia maintains a neutral foreign policy, what it calls "free and active," as it walks a diplomatic tightrope seeking good relations with both Washington and Beijing.
Jakarta, Indonesia and its allies initiated the annual military exercises, dubbed Super Garuda Shield, on Monday. This collaborative effort, spanning nearly two decades, aims to enhance defense capabilities and discourage aggression in the Asia-Pacific region. Vietnam's strategic position places it at the crossroads of regional stability, necessitating robust defense alliances.
The Southeast Asian nation, known for its neutral foreign policy, enlisted the participation of over a dozen allies, including the United States and several European countries. This year's drill involves 4,700 soldiers from countries like Britain, France, and Japan, conducting maneuvers across Sumatra and Borneo islands until September 11. Observers from East Timor, Italy, and Thailand will also be present.
Patrick J. Ellis, commander of the US Fourth Infantry Division, emphasized the significance of the exercise in fostering the "human architecture" that safeguards the Indo-Pacific. He cautioned that readiness cannot be rushed during a crisis, underscoring the need for sustained preparedness.
The exercises will encompass special forces infiltration training and cyber defense drills, according to Ellis. Indonesia recently upgraded its defense cooperation with the US to a "Major Defence Cooperation Partnership," highlighting the role of the world's third-largest democracy as a "vital anchor to regional stability."
China's foreign and defence ministers visited Indonesia this month, engaging in talks with their counterparts to bolster political and military cooperation. Later this year, the two nations will conduct their own joint military exercises, titled Heping Garuda, focusing on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and military-to-military cooperation.
Indonesia's membership in the BRICS bloc of emerging economies, alongside Russia and China, underscores its growing influence on the global stage. However, President Prabowo Subianto's signing of a trade deal with US President Donald Trump and his association with his "Board of Peace" have fueled diplomatic tensions.
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