Indonesia and the United States launched joint military drills on Monday that will last more than a week, joining allies from 11 countries in exercises aimed at ensuring stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
The annual “Super Garuda Shield” drills will take place in the capital, Jakarta, and several locations on the western island of Sumatra and the Riau archipelago until September 4.
The US and some allies such as Australia have expressed growing concern about China’s increasing assertiveness in the Pacific, but Washington has previously said such drills are not aimed at Beijing.
US Indo-Pacific Commander Samuel Paparo delivers a speech during the “Super Garuda Shield” launch on Monday. Photo: AP
Samuel Paparo, commander of US Indo-Pacific Command, said this year’s exercises were “the largest Super Garuda Shield ever”, adding that they would help taking part nations boost deterrence, without elaborating.
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