Singapore and Indonesia Reaffirm Close and Long-Standing Defence Relations

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen met with Indonesian Minister for Defence LG(Rtd) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin at the Istana Merdeka today. Photo Credit: Indonesian Ministry for Defence (KEMHAN)

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen met Indonesian Defence Minister Lieutenant General (LG)(Rtd) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin at the Istana Merdeka in Jakarta this morning.

Both Ministers reaffirmed the close and long-standing defence relationship between Singapore and Indonesia, and noted the good progress made in the implementation of the Defence Cooperation Agreement. They also discussed ways to further defence cooperation between both countries.

The meeting underscores the strength of defence relations between Singapore and Indonesia. Both defence establishments interact regularly through exercises, visits, professional exchanges and cross-attendance of courses. These interactions enhance mutual understanding, strengthen people-to-people ties and professionalism between both militaries. Singapore and Indonesia also work closely together to advance security cooperation at multilateral forums such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and the ADMM-Plus.

Dr Ng was in Jakarta, Indonesia as part of Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Mr Lawrence Wong’s delegation for his introductory visit to Indonesia from 5 to 6 November 2024.

Members of the Singapore delegation led by Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong meeting President Prabowo Subianto and his Cabinet earlier today. Photo Credit: Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI)

Discussions between the Singapore and Indonesian delegations in Jakarta. Photo Credit: MDDI