Washington, D.C. – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and U.S. President Joe Biden reached an agreement to expand the scope of joint military exercises, specifically the Super Garuda Shield, and enhance maritime security. The agreement was established during their meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, November 12 (local time).
According to a Fact Sheet released on the White House website, Super Garuda Shield has evolved beyond bilateral U.S.-Indonesia military cooperation, now including forces from Australia, Canada, France, Japan, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. This year, the exercise also integrated cyber training for the first time.
“This exercise involves over 4,000 personnel from 23 countries observing or training side-by-side in one of the largest multinational drills in the Indo-Pacific region,” the statement noted.
Prabowo and Biden also agreed to expand military collaboration further. Currently, Indonesia and the U.S. conduct more than 200 military-related activities annually. Additionally, the U.S. highlighted that its International Military Education and Training program with Indonesia is the largest of its kind within the USINDOPACOM region.
A joint statement posted on the White House site revealed that both leaders are committed to strengthening bilateral defense cooperation, reaffirming their shared commitment to regional security and stability. They underscored the importance of the Defense Cooperation Agreement established in 2023.
Indonesia and the U.S. will work together to strengthen maritime security capabilities and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, as well as fishing linked to transnational organized crime.
“The two leaders also welcomed continued cooperation in defense and military modernization, in ways that align with international human rights and humanitarian law,” the White House statement read.
Additionally, the leaders reaffirmed their intent to hold the 2nd U.S.-Indonesia Senior Foreign and Defense Officials Policy Dialogue, the 21st U.S.-Indonesia Security Dialogue (IUSSD), and the U.S.-Indonesia Bilateral Defense Discussions (USIBDD) by the end of Q1 2025.
On maritime cooperation, both leaders endorsed the establishment of the U.S.-funded ‘Anambas’ BAKAMLA Maritime Training Center in Batam this year.
Prabowo and Biden also reaffirmed their commitment to hosting maritime dialogue sessions and exploring new areas of cooperation.
“This includes sustainable maritime economic cooperation and advancing marine science and technology,” stated the White House. (RR)