Indonesia-led exercise strengthens defense cooperation, cybersecurity and disaster response.
Indonesia is hosting Super Garuda Shield (SGS) 2026, a multinational military exercise involving 4,743 personnel from 21 countries from August 31 to September 11, 2026. The Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI) is conducting the exercise to test operational readiness, strengthen defense diplomacy and enhance participants’ ability to respond to security challenges.
The exercise is taking place in Bandung, Jakarta, Lampung, Baturaja in South Sumatra, and Nunukan in North Kalimantan. TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto said the exercise includes 12 activities that promote diplomacy, cooperation and the exchange of capabilities.
“Super Garuda Shield is held every year in Indonesia. This year, 21 countries are participating, with a total of 4,743 personnel taking part in 12 exercise activities,” General Agus said in Bandung on Monday.
The participating countries are 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.
The exercise also focuses on cybersecurity, which General Agus identified as an important capability for the TNI. He said the TNI established its cyber unit about three years ago and is using SGS 2026 to exchange capabilities with partner countries through cyber command-post exercises.
“For example, within the TNI, we have only had a cyber unit for three years. Here, we are conducting cyber command-post exercises with other countries, along with other exercises,” he said.
Alongside military and cyber training, SGS 2026 is strengthening its humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) component. Participants are conducting a natural disaster exercise in North Kalimantan, adding disaster response to the multinational training.
“This year, we have added a natural disaster exercise in North Kalimantan,” General Agus said.
The exercise will conclude in Jakarta on September 11. By combining military, cybersecurity and disaster-response training, SGS 2026 strengthens cooperation and shared capabilities among participating countries, supporting greater preparedness, regional stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific.
Source: ANTARA News
