Singapore and Indonesia Armies Conduct Flagship Bilateral Exercise in Indonesia

The Chief-of-Staff of the Indonesia Army (KASAD) General Dudung Abdurachman handing over the Safkar torch to the SAF's Chief of Army Major-General (MG) David Neo during the closing ceremony of Exercise Safkar Indopura (XSI) 2022.

The Singapore Army and the Indonesia Army (TNI-AD) have successfully conducted the 34th edition of Exercise Safkar Indopura (XSI), which is taking place from 8 to 17 Oct 22 in Bekasi, West Java, Indonesia. The SAF's Chief of Army Major-General (MG) David Neo and the TNI's Chief-of-Staff TNI-AD (KASAD) General Dudung Abdurachman co-officiated the closing ceremony of the flagship bilateral exercise earlier today.

This year's exercise involved over 130 troops from the SAF's Headquarters 3rd Singapore Infantry Brigade (HQ 3 SIB) and 3rd Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (3 SIR), as well as 140 personnel from the TNI-AD's 1st Mechanised Infantry Brigade (Brigif Mekanis 1) and 202nd Mechanised Infantry Battalion (Yonif Mekanis 202). The exercise provided the opportunity for both armies to strengthen mutual understanding and deepen interpersonal bonds through professional exchanges in urban operations and planning processes, cross-training and a familiarisation shoot with the Singapore Assault Rifle-21st Century and the Pindad SS2 Assault Rifle-V1. The exercise concluded with a combined brigade planning exercise which culminated in a battalion-level field training exercise at Dawuan Training Area.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, MG Neo commended the successful conduct of the exercise and highlighted that the exercise provided a valuable platform to enhance the professionalism of both armies and strengthen mutual understanding and friendship amongst the soldiers. He said, "Since its inception in 1989, Exercise Safkar Indopura has enabled our forces to improve our military capabilities through the sharing of knowledge and experiences. Over the years, we have seen the exercise grow from strength to strength, featuring brigade planning and combined arms training. Indeed, generations of soldiers from the SAF have forged close bonds with our TNI-AD counterparts."

First conducted in 1989, Exercise Safkar Indopura underscores the close and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and Indonesia. In addition to bilateral exercises, both militaries also engage in a wide range of bilateral activities, including exercises, visits, professional exchanges and cross-attendance of courses. These interactions have enhanced the cooperation and helped foster strong people-to-people ties between the two armed forces.

Commander 3rd Division Brigadier-General Goh Pei Ming and Commander, Military Area Command Jaya Major General Untung Budiharto officiating the opening ceremony of Exercise Safkar Indopura (XSI) 2022.

SAF personnel advancing to their objectives after dismounting from the TNI-AD's ANOA Armoured Personnel Carrier.

SAF personnel introducing the Singapore Assault Rifle - 21st Century (SAR 21) to the TNI-AD during the weapons sharing session.

SAF and TNI-AD personnel in discussion during the Brigade Command Post Exercise as part of XSI 22.

SAF personnel demonstrating Urban Operations drills.

SAF and TNI-AD personnel participating in a cohesion activity.