13 Countries Involved, US Army General Believes Super Garuda Shield 2022 Can Maintain Indo-Pacific Order Based On Rules

An Indonesian Army soldier (left) walks with US Army or US Army soldiers during a joint exercise with the Super Garuda Shield 2022 in Baturaja, South Sumatra, Wednesday, August 3. (Antara-Risal H)

JAKARTA - The Commander General of the United States Army (US) for the Pacific, General Charles Flynn, said that the Super Garuda Shield 2022 military exercise involving 13 countries will strengthen the security stability of the Indo-Pacific region.

"When we are together like this, we become stronger", said General Flynn, as quoted by the US Embassy, Thursday, August 4.

According to Flynn, these multinational planning, operating, exchange and training activities can enhance the military defense capabilities of participating countries and work together to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.

"Together as a multinational force, Garuda Shield is a very important embodiment of our cooperation, interoperability, and unity as a group of countries who want to create a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and maintain an order based on rules", he said.

Based on the Antara report, as many as 13 countries were involved in this military exercise, namely the US, Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, South Korea, India, Timor Leste, Canada, France, Britain, and as the host Indonesia.

More than 4,000 combined troops are participating in the 2022 Super Garuda Shield.

The commander of the 7th Infantry Division and chief executive officer of the 2022 Super Garuda Shield, Major General Stephen Smith, welcomed the opportunity to train with US partners.

"This exercise led by Indonesia has grown in scope and scale. Every time we develop joint readiness, it is a good opportunity for all of us in this region", said Smith.

"This development demonstrates the importance of this exercise and how participating countries view this area as an area of influence in the Indo-Pacific region", he continued.

Super Garuda Shield 2022 will implement field and maritime exercises which include amphibious exercises, maritime security exercises, military operations exercises in urban areas, air defense exercises, air operations, and airfield capture exercises.

Other planned exercises also include a command post exercise, which will allow troops to exercise their ability to plan, give the command, and communicate with one another in a simulated operational environment.