Indonesian Defence Minister Conducts Introductory Visit to Singapore

Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto calling on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this morning.

Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto is in Singapore for his introductory visit from 9 to 12 June 2022 and is attending the 19th Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD). Mr Prabowo called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen after inspecting the Guard of Honour at the Ministry of Defence this morning.

During their meeting, Dr Ng and Mr Prabowo reaffirmed the close and long-standing bilateral defence relationship between Singapore and Indonesia. They exchanged views on regional security challenges and discussed ways to enhance bilateral defence cooperation between Singapore and Indonesia. This was underscored by the signing of a Joint Statement by both Ministers during the Singapore-Indonesia Leaders' Retreat in January 2022. The Joint Statement reaffirmed both governments' commitment to bring into force the 2007 Defence Cooperation Agreement and its Implementing Arrangement between the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI) for the Military Training Area in Indonesia, as part of a set of agreements under an expanded Framework.

Mr Prabowo is in Singapore with a delegation of senior Indonesian officials. Mr Prabowo will call on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean. Mr Prabowo will also speak at a plenary session titled "Managing Geopolitical Competition in a Multipolar Region" on 11 June 2022.

Mr Prabowo's visit underscores the close and long-standing defence ties between Singapore and Indonesia. Both defence establishments and Armed Forces have enjoyed decades of close friendship and continue to deepen their cooperation to tackle common regional security challenges. The SAF and TNI interact regularly through bilateral and multilateral exercises, joint training, high-level visits, professional exchanges, and cross-attendance of courses and seminars. These interactions build mutual understanding and enhance the professionalism and camaraderie between the two militaries.

Mr Prabowo inspecting the Guard of Honour at MINDEF.