Joint Military Exercises of Indonesia and the USA Have Begun

• The "Super Garuda Shield" exercises will last until September 4.
• Over 6,500 troops from 12 countries are participating.
• Indonesia is strengthening its economic space with Chinese activity in its economic zone.

Indonesia and the USA have started their annual joint military exercises on August 25, 2025, in Jakarta, involving troops from 11 other countries. This year's "Super Garuda Shield" exercises are the largest since their inception in 2009, with over 6,500 troops participating.

General Tanjido Budi Revit, deputy commander of the armed forces, noted that these exercises aim to strengthen regional ties in the context of growing global instability. He emphasized the importance of rapid response to challenges.

In the exercises, which will last until September 4, besides Indonesia and the USA, troops from Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Brazil, and South Korea are also participating.

The commander of the Indonesian military also mentioned that the exercises will help raise the level of preparedness against potential threats. At the same time, the Indonesian side has expressed concern about the increasing military and economic pressures from the Chinese side in the South China Sea.

The expanded exercises highlight the concerns in China, which accused the USA of trying to create an "Asian NATO" to limit China's influence in the region. Washington emphasized that these exercises are not directed against Beijing.

Indonesia continues to maintain good relations with China, despite the growing military and economic pressures from the Chinese side. The exercises also involve observers from India, Papua New Guinea, and East Timor.

Tags: USA/Politics