Senior Indonesian and US military officials inspect troops and eight others from their countries taking part in the Super Garuda Shield joint military exercise in Chitorjo, East Java.
June Crisvando
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Thousands of military personnel from Indonesia, the United States and eight other countries began two weeks of exercises on Monday, focusing on Asia-Pacific joint capabilities.
Tensions have risen this year in the region, particularly in the South China Sea, with flashpoints between littoral states claiming sovereignty over disputed islands and waterways.
The annual exercises — known as the Super Garuda Shield — began in Chitorjo, East Java, with Indonesia sending more than 4,400 troops to the training.
About 1,800 US troops and several hundred soldiers from other countries will take part, the Indonesian military said.
The exercise, first held in 2007, has evolved into a „world-class joint/multinational event designed to enhance our joint capabilities,” said Maj. Gen. Joseph Harris, commander of the Hawaii Air National Guard.
The program will include expert educational exchanges, professional development workshops, command-and-control training and field training culminating in a live-fire event, he added.
Training includes staff and cyber exercises, airborne operations, joint strikes, amphibious training and simulated ground operations.
The exercises will demonstrate commitment to a safe, stable and secure Indo-Pacific region, US Pacific Command Commander Charles Flynn said in a statement last week.
Participants from Australia, Japan, Britain, Singapore, South Korea, Canada, New Zealand and France have also joined the two-week exercise, which will be held at various locations across the country till September 6.
Brazil, Germany, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Netherlands, Timor Leste and Papua New Guinea are participating as observer countries in this exercise.