Top Military Award Conferred on Former Commander-in-Chief of the Indonesian National Defence Forces

Former Commander-in-Chief of the Indonesian National Defence Forces Admiral (ADM)(Ret) Yudo Margono (right) with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam (left) after receiving the Distinguished Service Order (Military) award at the Istana.

The former Commander-in-Chief of the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI) Admiral (ADM)(Ret) Yudo Margono was conferred Singapore's highest military award, the Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Tentera) [Distinguished Service Order (Military)], by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the Istana this afternoon.

ADM(Ret) Yudo was conferred the award for his significant contributions in strengthening the close and long-standing defence relations between the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the TNI. Under his leadership, defence ties between both armed forces grew from strength to strength. Both militaries participated in bilateral exercises such as Exercise Safkar Indopura, Exercise Elang Indopura and Exercise Eagle Indopura which promoted interoperability and friendships between the SAF and TNI. ADM(Ret) Yudo supported the bilateral coordinated patrols between both countries' navies to improve maritime security in the region. He was also committed to enhancing cooperation between both armed forces within multilateral frameworks, which contributed to regional peace and stability. The SAF and TNI worked alongside each other at regional platforms such as the ASEAN Chiefs of Defence Forces Meeting, the Information Fusion Centre and the Counter-Terrorism Information Facility.

Guests at the investiture included Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral (VADM) Aaron Beng, as well as other senior government officials and military officers from Singapore and Indonesia.

ADM(Ret) Yudo, who is in Singapore from 29 to 31 Jan 2024, called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana this afternoon after the investiture. He also called on Dr Ng and VADM Beng, and inspected a Guard of Honour at the Ministry of Defence earlier today. During the calls, both sides reaffirmed the close and long-standing bilateral defence ties and expressed commitment to deepen the bilateral defence relationship.

ADM(Ret) Yudo (left) called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen (right) earlier today.

ADM(Ret) Yudo inspected the Guard of Honour at the Ministry of Defence this afternoon.