The Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU), Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Subandrio, was conferred Singapore's prestigious military award, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) or Meritorious Service Medal (Military)], by Acting Minister for Defence and Minister for Education Dr Ng Eng Hen, at an investiture held at the Ministry of Defence this morning.

The medal was awarded to ACM Subandrio for his significant contributions in enhancing the excellent ties between the TNI-AU and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). Under ACM Subandrio's leadership, the two air forces have continued their close cooperation in a broad range of activities, which include bilateral exercises such as Exercise Elang Indopura and Exercise Camar Indopura. He was also instrumental in initiating new professional exchanges and interaction programmes between the TNI-AU and the RSAF. ACM Subandrio established the Cadets and Instructors Exchange Programme as a platform for personnel from both air forces to share their ideas and experiences. These interactions have strengthened mutual understanding and interoperability between the two air forces.

ACM Subandrio, who is in Singapore from 27 to 28 September 2009, called on Dr Ng, Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant-General Desmond Kuek and Chief of Air Force, Major-General Ng Chee Khern before the investiture.