Top Military Award Conferred on Former Indonesian Defence Chief

President Tony Tan Keng Yam congratulating former Commander-in-Chief of the Indonesian National Defence Forces, General (GEN) (Rtd) Moeldoko, after conferring the Distinguished Service Order (Military) on him at the Istana this afternoon.

The former Commander-in-Chief of the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI), General (GEN) (Rtd) Moeldoko, was conferred Singapore's highest military award, the Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Tentera) [Distinguished Service Order (Military)], by President Tony Tan Keng Yam at the Istana this afternoon.

The Distinguished Service Order (Military) was awarded to GEN (Rtd) Moeldoko for his role in forging good ties between the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the TNI during his time as Commander-in-Chief from September 2013 to July 2015. Under his leadership, both armed forces participated in the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus Counter Terrorism Exercise and the ADMM-Plus Maritime Security Field Training Exercise in 2013, and worked closely in operations such as the Malacca Strait Patrols. The SAF and TNI also conducted regular bilateral exercises such as Ex Safkar Indopura and Ex Elang Indopura, as well as various professional exchanges.

GEN (Rtd) Moeldoko's visit from 20 to 22 September underscores the close and long standing defence relations between Singapore and Indonesia. During his visit, GEN (Rtd) Moeldoko also called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana yesterday, and Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and Chief of Defence Force Major-General (MG) Perry Lim earlier today at the Ministry of Defence.

Also present at the investiture at the Istana today were Dr Ng, Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, MG Lim and senior government officials from Singapore and Indonesia.

GEN (Rtd) Moeldoko calling on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence this morning.

GEN (Rtd) Moeldoko inspecting the Guard of Honour contingent at the Istana.