Indonesian Army Strengthens Military Cooperation with Singapore Army

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian National Army (TNI AD) is strengthening defence cooperation with the Singapore Army to foster security in the region. This enhancement occurred when the TNI AD Chief of Staff, General TNI Maruli Simanjuntak, met with the Chief of the Singapore Army, Major General Cai Dexian, at the Army Headquarters (Mabesad) in Jakarta on Monday (4/5). “The TNI AD and the Singapore Army have maintained very good and constructive relations thus far. This forms part of our contribution to preserving regional stability and security,” Maruli stated in a TNI AD press release received in Jakarta on Tuesday. The press release explained that Major General Cai Dexian was received with an official welcoming ceremony by Maruli and his staff. During the meeting, both parties discussed various plans for military cooperation, such as enhancing soldier capabilities through military education, joint exercises, and the exchange of military knowledge and experiences. Maruli also addressed several previously established military cooperations that have progressed well and expressed plans to continue such collaborations. At the end of the meeting, Maruli bestowed the Republic of Indonesia Honour Badge, the Bintang Utama Kartika Eka Paksi, upon Major General Cai Dexian. That award, Maruli said, represents the highest honour from the TNI AD to a foreign military figure deemed instrumental in fostering friendship and cooperation with the TNI. Maruli hopes that through this meeting, bilateral and military relations between Indonesia and Singapore can continue to thrive positively.