Commission I DPR Member RI Sukamta said many parties had associated the Garuda Shield with an effort by the United States and affiliated countries to stem China’s power in the region. Considering that this exercise was also held amid rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait following the visit of US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
However, for the TNI, the Garuda Shield is held under the rules and agreements that were previously constructed, and is not related to the conflict in Taiwan.
“Indeed, this exercise can be interpreted in many different ways, but I believe that TNI is normative. Although this military exercise can be said to show Indonesia’s many friendships with the United States and its partners, but we remain committed to maintaining peace and security in the South China Sea,” he said. Political news agency RMOL PolitikWednesday (10/8).
In addition, he also pointed out that this exercise is an opportunity for the TNI to strengthen friendships with military personnel from other participating countries.
“There are a lot of things that can be learned, about war management and combat tactics and working as a team with very diverse members from different countries, which are costly lessons for the TNI,” a- he explained.
Sukamta also emphasizes opportunities networking or TNI’s personal friendship with soldiers from many countries will be greater, which will be a distinct advantage for Indonesia in the future.
The Garuda Shield itself will take place from August 1-14, 2022. In addition to Indonesia and the United States, this year’s Garuda Shield will also feature Australia, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, France, England, Canada, New Zealand and South Korea. , Papua New Guinea and Timor Leste. . 
