US-Indonesia Military Drills Expand with Global Allies Amidst China Concerns

Jakarta, Aug 25 (AP) — Indonesia and the United States initiated their annual military exercises on Monday, collaborating with forces from over a dozen other nations. The US has been encouraging its allies to more seriously consider threats from China.

Organized by the Indonesian National Armed Forces, this year's Super Garuda Shield aims to bolster regional alliances amid a globally unstable environment, stated Gen Tandyo Budi Revita, the military's Deputy Commander.

"It acts as a joint training where we unite to address any challenges swiftly and accurately," Revita remarked at the opening ceremony, alongside Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command.

Since 2009, these exercises have been jointly conducted in Jakarta by US and Indonesian troops. Starting in 2022, the list of participants grew to include Australia, Japan, Singapore, the UK, France, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Brazil, and South Korea, bringing the total troop count to 6,500.

Paparo emphasized that the expanded roster of participants demonstrates a commitment to partnership and respects each nation's sovereignty.

"It signifies a resolve to deter any force that might attempt to alter the status quo using violence, backed by the collective intent to uphold sovereignty principles," Paparo noted.

While Jakarta has voiced concerns about Chinese advances into its exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, it maintains largely positive relations with Beijing.

Several Asian nations also dispatched observers to the 11-day combat drills held in Jakarta and on Sumatra Island, concluding on Sept. 4 with a joint live-fire exercise.

The broadened exercises have raised alarms for China, which accuses the US of constructing an "Asian NATO" to constrain China's burgeoning military and diplomatic sway.

In a recent address in Singapore, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that depending on US military aid while simultaneously relying on Chinese economic backing poses inherent risks.

Hegseth noted that the US has been solidifying a network of military partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, aiming to reassure allies concerned by Beijing's mounting military and economic assertiveness and provocative maneuvers in the contested South China Sea.

Despite increased activity by Chinese coast guard and fishing vessels in the area, which has caused unease for Jakarta, Indonesia strives to avoid confrontation and persists in economic enterprises with China.

Jakarta's choice to skirt the issue aligns with its enduring strategy of managing tensions with Beijing discreetly, especially considering the scope of Chinese trade and investment in Indonesia's economy, explained Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat and Yeta Purnama, researchers at the Centre of Economic and Law Studies (CELIOS).

"This dual-track diplomacy might seem contradictory. But for Jakarta, it is a strategic move. Indonesia is favoring defense diversification over alignment," stated Rakhmat of CELIOS.

The nation stays dedicated to Super Garuda Shield while continuously procuring US and French arms and enhancing its interoperability with Western militaries, he added.

"In a region characterized by escalating tensions and great power competition, Indonesia's choice not to align itself, at least concerning defense, could be its most potent asset," Rakhmat concluded. (AP) SKS RD RD

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