Singapore and Indonesia Reaffirm Strong and Long-standing Bilateral Defence Relations

Mr Chan (right) meeting Indonesian Defence Minister Mr Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin (left) at the Indonesian Ministry of Defence (KEMHAN). (Credit: Team Media Menhan SS)

Mr Chan inspecting the Guard of Honour at the KEMHAN.

Mr Chan visiting the Soekarno Memorial.

Mr Chan (left) meeting with the Governor of LEMHANNAS Dr Ace Hasan Syadzily (right).

Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing met with Indonesian Defence Minister Mr Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin earlier today. Mr Chan reviewed a Guard of Honour contingent at the Indonesian Ministry of Defence (KEMHAN) before attending the bilateral meetings. Mr Chan also engaged in a dialogue with approximately 250 future leaders of Indonesia at the National Resilience Institute (LEMHANNAS).

During the meeting with Defence Minister Sjafrie, both Ministers reaffirmed the strong and long-standing bilateral defence relations between Singapore and Indonesia. Mr Chan and Mr Sjafrie discussed efforts to co-develop training facilities in Kalimantan, Baturaja and the Siabu Air Weapons Range, and agreed that these efforts would provide more opportunities for both militaries to train together. Both Ministers also discussed the ongoing geopolitical developments, and emphasised the need for Singapore and Indonesia to work closely together, as well as the importance of open dialogue.

During his dialogue at LEMHANNAS, Mr Chan highlighted the similar outlook and values that Singapore and Indonesia share, the strong existing cooperation between both countries, and the importance of continued collaboration moving forward in this uncertain world. Mr Chan said that Singapore and Indonesia have always had a close relationship, and that this was especially evident in the defence sector, with Singapore's first bilateral exercise with any country being with Indonesia - Exercise Eagle Indopura - in 1974. Both countries also had many common interests, such as upholding the international rule of law. He emphasised that Singapore and Indonesia “need to work together to overcome the uncertainties in the security and economic domain… both Singapore and Indonesia will be able to grow the opportunities for our people and our countries.” Mr Chan also met with the Governor of LEMHANNAS Dr Ace Hasan Syadzily, where both parties discussed strengthening bilateral ties through increasing exchanges to develop mutual trust and understanding.

Mr Chan is in Indonesia from 5 to 6 August. He will conduct a series of bilateral meetings with Indonesian counterparts and visit a kitchen operated by the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI) under Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals programme (also known as Makanan Bergizi Gratis) tomorrow.

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Speech by Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing at the National Resilience Institute of Indonesia (LEMHANNAS) on 5 August 2025