Indonesian Air Force Chief of Staff Receives Prestigious Military Award

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen congratulating Indonesian Air Force Chief of Staff, Air Chief Marshal Ida Bagus Putu Dunia, after the MSM(M) investiture.

The Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU), Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Ida Bagus Putu Dunia, was conferred Singapore's prestigious military award, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentara) [or Meritorious Service Medal (Military)], by President Tony Tan Keng Yam. Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the award to ACM Putu at the Ministry of Defence this morning.

ACM Putu was conferred the award for his significant contributions in strengthening the long-standing friendship and professional cooperation between TNI-AU and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) with strong bilateral cooperation and frequent exchanges. Under the leadership of ACM Putu, the two Air Forces continued their frequent professional and personal interactions through regular bilateral exercises, which include Exercise Elang Indopura, Exercise Camar Indopura and Exercise Manyar Indopura. ACM Putu also played an instrumental role in initiating new professional exchanges between the two Air Forces, which have enhanced the professionalism of and mutual understanding between the two Air Forces.

ACM Putu, who is in Singapore from 12 to 13 January 2015, had earlier called on Dr Ng and Chief of Air Force Major-General Hoo Cher Mou prior to the investiture. ACM Putu also inspected a Guard of Honour contingent at the Ministry of Defence this morning.

ACM Putu inspecting the Guard of Honour at MINDEF.