Indonesian military chief eyes wider joint drills in Indo-Pacific

Archipelago seeks more cooperation with Brunei, Malaysia and Quad

20221128 Indonesia's military chief Gen. Andika Perkasa

Indonesian military chief Gen. Andika Perkasa said in an interview with Nikkei Asia that the annual joint exercise Garuda Shield will have more countries next year. (Photo by Dimas Ardian)

ERWIDA MAULIA and BOBBY NUGROHO, Nikkei staff writers

November 28, 2022 18:06 JST

JAKARTA -- The top commander of the Indonesian military says it is seeking more and wider joint military drills with other countries in the Indo-Pacific region -- including Brunei, Malaysia and all four members of the Quad -- in the face of a more aggressive China.

Gen. Andika Perkasa in a recent interview with Nikkei Asia said a U.S. military delegation will be in Jakarta in early December to discuss plans for a joint exercise called Garuda Shield next year. Annually hosted by Indonesia, the drills date back to 2007 and used to involve only Indonesian and U.S. forces.