The islands would be one of the locations for this year’s Garuda Shield war games slated to take place for two weeks from Aug 1, according to sources. The US and Indonesian militaries have hosted the exercises since 2007.
Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone surrounding the islands partially overlaps with the so-called “nine-dash line” drawn up by Beijing to demarcate its jurisdiction in the South China Sea.
Although Natuna lies outside the nine-dash line, Chinese fishing boats and government vessels have been spotted near the islands and Indonesia has stationed troops in the archipelago.
Indonesia is exploring plans to hold landing drills with the US in the Natuna area. If these exercises do take place, they would likely envision the recovery of islands occupied by enemy forces.
This year’s Garuda Shield will involve 14 countries, including observers. They include US allies Great Britain, Australia and Canada, according to the earlier source, as well as Indonesian neighbours Singapore and Malaysia. Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force, too, will participate in the Garuda Shield for the first time.
These exercises could likely be one of the largest Garuda Shield drills. A total of 3,000 service members are expected to take part, which would expand last year’s headcount by 50%.
Like last year, the drills will be held in Baturada, part of Indonesia’s Sumatra island, as well as Amborawang on Kalimantan island. The exercises will focus on a passing exercise to improve maritime communication, sea rescue, and flight exercises using a temporary runway.
Japan’s GSDF is planning to exercise jointly with both the US and Indonesian militaries.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has highlighted the importance of halting the advance of an enemy army with ground troops. Improving military responsiveness through joint exercises and building cooperative ties between like-minded nations have become indispensable parts to deterrence, according to mainstream opinion.
Between February and March, the GSDF’s Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade has held joint drills with the US Navy and Marines in areas stretching from central Japan to Guam, a US territory.
Malaysia, Vietnam and other nations have been at odds with China over territorial rights in the South China Sea. Although Beijing recognises Indonesian territory as falling outside the nine-dash line, tensions have brewed over Natuna and surrounding areas with natural gas reserves.
Southeast Asian nations have been monitoring the effect the Ukraine war will have on their own regions. In recent months, China has completely transformed three reefs in the Spratly Islands into military bases, taking advantage of the international community’s divided attention over Ukraine.
Southeast Asian nations have few other options but to rely on the US for deterrence. This year’s Garuda Shield will include all three members of Aukus, the security alliance formed last year by Australia, the UK and the US.
The Quad security framework has also been established as a regional counterweight against China. But only three members — Japan, the US and Australia — will take part in the Garuda Shield, while the fourth member, India, is not on the list.