Indonesia. (November 15, 2024): It is a nation of thousands of islands spread across the Indo-Pacific and a key ally in America’s strategy to contain Chinese ambitions in Southeast Asia. In this photo by Sgt. Shaina Jupiter, U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sergeant Chris Smith, right, with the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, holds a unit flag alongside his comrade Indonesian Marine with 10th Marine Infantry Battalion, Korps Marinir. The Marines are completing a series of exercises practicing coastal defense during MAREX 2024, an annual bilateral exercise to strengthen relationships with this vital U.S. partner.
During the exercises, a combined force of nearly six hundred personnel from the Marine Rotational Force - Southeast Asia joined the 10th Marine Infantry Battalion of the Indonesian Marine Corps to conduct expert-lead exchanges and training events. Topics ranged from staff-level planning to jungle survival tactics. The partners also practiced skills like combat patrolling, ambush tactics, casualty evacuations, and combat marksmanship, all culminating in a successful execution of a final coastal defense scenario.
Situated between the Indian and Pacific oceans, Indonesia is the most populous country in Southeast Asia and the fourth largest population in the world. It is composed of some 17,500 islands, of which more than 7,000 are uninhabited and the archipelago stretches
3,200 miles from east to west. Due to its strategic location, Indonesia is a linchpin of regional security in two international maritime straits.
The U.S. established diplomatic relations with Indonesia in 1949 and continues to have significant economic, commercial, and security interests in common. In November 2023, the parties announced a Joint Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that has resulted in over 220 annual joint exercises, engagements, and cultural exchanges. The U.S.-Indonesian comprehensive strategic partnership continues to grow as seen by an increase in exercise participation with nineteen other countries.
For the Marines, these events create lasting friendships and a sense of camaraderie with this highly important strategic partner.