ENCAP project builds relationships during Super Garuda Shield 26
MARTAPURA, Indonesia — U.S., Indonesian, Canadian, and Singaporean service members renovated SDN 12 Martapura as part of an Engineer Civic Assistance Program project, helping improve the school and strengthen relationships between participating forces and the local community during Super Garuda Shield 26, from Aug. through Sept., 2026.
The ENCAP project brought together multinational service members to repair and improve the elementary school through painting, masonry, electrical work, roof repairs, and paver installation. The renovations addressed infrastructure needs affecting the school's learning environment during Indonesia's wet season.
U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Benjamin Means, supporting civil affairs with Marine Rotational Force - Darwin, said Indonesian forces selected the school because of its condition before construction.
"It was badly in need of a roof, especially during the wet season," Means said. "It makes the learning environment kind of hard for the students to focus and pay attention."
As the ENCAP project progressed, service members worked side by side to complete the final details of the renovation, including painting, masonry, and laying pavers. Means said the improvements provide upgraded infrastructure, additional space for sports and outdoor assemblies, and an area the surrounding community can use for events.
For teachers and students at SDN 12 Martapura, the improvements create a more comfortable learning environment.
Novia Nurcahyani, principal of SDN 12 Martapura, said the renovation will allow students to learn in a better-suited school.
"The reconstruction that we received is very beneficial for the students so that they can learn comfortably, joyfully, peacefully, and happily," Nurcahyani said, according to a translation provided by Yulianniza Marshanda. Nurcahyani also saw the cooperation between Indonesian and international service members during the project, describing their teamwork, discipline, and commitment to improving the school.
The ENCAP project also gave participating forces another chance to build interoperability beyond traditional military training.
"This project supports Super Garuda Shield because it allows us to be interoperable," Means said. "We're still learning lessons here, working alongside our partner forces on how we can work together not only now, but in the future."
For U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Ed Matthaidess, the ENCAP project shows how the relationships strengthened during Super Garuda Shield extend beyond military training.
"Our partnership extends beyond defense and includes education, youth and the communities that form the foundation of our two nations," Matthaidess said. "This new facility stands as a lasting symbol of what the United States and Indonesia can build together."
The ENCAP project culminated with a ribbon cutting ceremony, Sept. 7, 2026.
Super Garuda Shield brings U.S. forces together with the Indonesian National Armed Forces and partner nations to strengthen interoperability and cooperation. Projects like the renovation of SDN 12 Martapura provide another way for those relationships to have a lasting impact beyond the training area.
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