MP: Involvement of 21 Nations Proves Indonesia's Strategic Position
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Member of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Amelia Anggraini, believes that the involvement of 21 countries with thousands of personnel in the Super Garuda Shield (SGS) 2026 Joint Exercise demonstrates that Indonesia holds a strategic and vital position in building communication, trust, and interoperability within the Indo-Pacific region.
According to her, such exercises are not solely about combat capabilities, but also about how each nation builds readiness to face increasingly complex security challenges.
“The implementation of the Super Garuda Shield 2026 Joint Exercise is a positive step in strengthening Indonesia’s defence cooperation and diplomacy with friendly nations,” Amelia stated in a briefing in Jakarta on Thursday.
She noted that most importantly, Super Garuda Shield is not merely about military training. Amelia assessed that the inclusion of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief components shows that international cooperation capacities can be directed towards broader interests, including providing benefits to the community.
In this regard, she believes Indonesia can strengthen its defence capabilities while building closer relationships with partner nations, without losing its commitment to regional peace and stability.
“I view this exercise as part of constructive defence diplomacy,” said Amelia.
In principle, she argued that defence strength is not measured only by military prowess, but also by the ability to build communication, cooperation, trust, and the prevention of conflict.
The SGS 2026 event involves 4,743 personnel from 21 countries. They have come to Indonesia to test the operational readiness of troops, defence diplomacy, and the ability to face various security challenges.
Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), General Agus Subiyanto, stated that SGS is an annual exercise held in various regions of Indonesia from 31 August to 11 September 2026.
“Super Garuda Shield is held every year in Indonesia. There are 21 countries present this year. The total number of personnel training is 4,743 people, covering 12 different training modules,” Agus said in Bandung, West Java, on Monday (31/8).
The 21 participating nations include Indonesia, the United States, Australia, the Netherlands, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, India, the United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, Germany, Cambodia, Canada, South Korea, Laos, New Zealand, France, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.
Agus noted that the exercises are being conducted in Bandung, Jakarta, Lampung, the Indonesian Army Combat Training Centre in Baturaja, South Sumatra, and Nunukan, North Kalimantan. The exercises are scheduled to conclude in Jakarta on 11 September 2026.