Singapore and Indonesia Reaffirm Close and Long-Standing Defence Relations

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen (left) and Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto signing the Joint Statement, witnessed by Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Indonesian President Joko Widodo, at the Singapore-Indonesia Leaders' Retreat in Bintan, Indonesia. Photo Credit: MCI

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen met Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto earlier today. Dr Ng is in Bintan, Indonesia to attend the Singapore-Indonesia Leaders' Retreat.

Dr Ng and Minister Prabowo signed a Joint Statement to reaffirm both governments' agreement to bring into force the 2007 Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) and its Implementing Arrangement between the Singapore Armed Forces and the Indonesian Armed Forces for the Military Training Area in Indonesia, as part of a set of agreements under an expanded Framework that were signed and exchanged at the Leaders' Retreat. Besides helping to strengthen the strategic relationship between both defence establishments and facilitate the discussion and oversight of new areas of defence cooperation, the DCA will enhance cooperation and promote closer interaction between the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI). As part of the DCA, the SAF will continue to conduct military training and exercises in training areas in Indonesia, with full respect for Indonesia's sovereignty over its territory, including its archipelagic and territorial waters and its airspace.

Singapore and Indonesia have close and long-standing ties. Both defence establishments 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 military exercises, high-level visits, professional exchanges, and cross-attendance of courses across the three Services and at all levels. These interactions serve to reinforce mutual understanding, strengthen friendships and enhance the cooperation between the two defence establishments and Armed Forces.