Indonesia and the United States kicked off the “largest Super Garuda Shield ever” military exercises on August 25, 2025, deploying over 5,400 troops across Jakarta, Sumatra, and the Riau archipelago until September 4, aiming to enhance regional stability with participation from 11 allied nations.

More than 4,100 Indonesian and 1,300 American troops, alongside forces from Australia, Japan, Singapore, France, New Zealand, Britain, and others, will engage in the week-long drills. US Indo-Pacific Command’s Samuel Paparo hailed the scale, stating, “This year’s exercises were ‘the largest Super Garuda Shield ever,’ adding that they would help taking part nations boost deterrence.”

The exercises include joint operations and training across land, sea, and air domains.

The drills come amid growing concerns from the US and allies like Australia over China’s assertiveness in the Pacific, though Washington maintains they target no specific nation.

The multinational effort seeks to strengthen interoperability and trust among participating forces, building on Indonesia’s long-standing partnership with the US, which began such exercises in 2007.

The expanded scope reflects a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, though logistical coordination and regional tensions pose ongoing challenges. The exercises are set to conclude with a live-fire event, underscoring their strategic importance.