Indonesia and the US began more than a week of joint military drills known as “Super Garuda Shield,” bringing together forces from 11 countries to strengthen stability across the Asia-Pacific region.
The exercises are being held in Jakarta and at sites on Sumatra and the Riau archipelago through September 4. Around 4,100 Indonesian service members and 1,300 American troops are taking part, joined by contingents from Australia, Japan, Singapore, France, New Zealand, Britain, and others.
Although the US and allies such as Australia have raised concerns over China’s assertive actions in the Pacific, Washington maintains that the drills are not aimed at Beijing.
