Singapore and Indonesian Armies Conduct Bilateral Exercise

The Singapore and Indonesian armies have successfully conducted their annual bilateral exercise, Exercise Safkar Indopura, from 14 to 26 September 2016. Commander 3rd Singapore Division Brigadier-General (BG) Alfred Fox and Chief of Staff of Military Area Command III, Indonesian Army (TNI-AD), Brigadier General Wuryanto co-officiated the closing ceremony of the exercise this morning at the Pusdikif HQ, Cipatat, Bandung in Indonesia.

Hosted by Indonesia this year, about 130 personnel from the Headquarters 3rd Singapore Infantry Brigade and the 5th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment participated in the exercise, together with about 160 personnel from the TNI-AD's 15th Infantry Brigade and 310th Infantry Battalion. The 13-day exercise included professional exchanges, cross-training on urban operations, live firing, and culminated in a combined battalion field exercise.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, BG Fox noted that the exercise had achieved its objectives of raising professionalism, strengthening friendships and fostering mutual understanding between the two armies. "I believe that the interactions during the past week have forged a strong spirit of camaraderie, trust and friendship amongst the soldiers of the Indonesian and Singapore armies, and these treasured memories would be remembered for years to come," he said. Looking ahead, BG Fox added that both armies "will continue to enhance the exercise in future years in order to maintain its relevance and learning value." 

First conducted in 1989, this year's exercise is the 28th in the series and underscores the close and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and Indonesia. Besides bilateral exercises, both armies also engage in a wide range of bilateral activities such as visits, professional exchanges and cross-attendance of courses. These regular interactions have enhanced the interoperability between the two armies, and helped foster mutual understanding between their personnel.