The former Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL), Admiral (ADM) Tedjo Edhy Purdijatno, was conferred Singapore's prestigious military award, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) or Meritorious Service Medal (Military)], by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean, at an investiture held at the Ministry of Defence this afternoon. The medal was awarded to ADM Tedjo in recognition of his outstanding contributions in enhancing the excellent ties between the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and TNI-AL.

Professional and personal ties between the two navies were strengthened during ADM Tedjo's tenure as the TNI-AL's Chief of Staff from July 2008 to November 2009. Both navies interact regularly across a wide range of activities, including bilateral staff talks, joint exercises, professional exchanges, socio-civic missions, port calls and cross-attendance of courses. They also work closely to enhance regional maritime security through the Malacca Strait Patrolsand Project SURPIC,a sea surveillance system which allows both navies to share maritime information on the Singapore Strait. ADM Tedjo has also been instrumental in establishing an enhanced Senior Officers' Interaction Programme, which provides a useful platform for the two navies to share their professional experiences and forge closer personal linkages. These extensive interactions have enhanced the professionalism and interoperability of the RSN and TNI-AL, and deepened the mutual understanding and camaraderie between the personnel of both navies. ADM Tedjo, who is in Singapore from 2 to 4 December 2009, called on Mr Teo and Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Chew Men Leong this morning. He also visited Changi Naval Base today.