The Chief of Naval Staff of the Indonesian Navy, Admiral (ADM) Agus Suhartono, 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 Agus Suhartono in recognition of his significant contributions in fostering closer ties between the Indonesian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy. Under ADM Suhartono's leadership, the two navies interacted regularly through a wide range of activities, which include joint operations and exercises, professional exchanges, socio-civic missions, port calls and courses. ADM Suhartono's commitment to deepening relations between the two navies also led to new bilateral initiatives, which enhanced the conduct of the Indonesia-Singapore Coordinated Patrols and the Malacca Strait Patrols. These initiatives have strengthened the institutional linkages and interoperability between the two navies. By encouraging more professional and personal engagements, ADM Suhartono has helped to forge closer personal ties and enhanced mutual understanding between the personnel of the two navies.

ADM Suhartono called on Mr Teo as well as Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Neo Kian Hong and Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Chew Men Leong before the investiture.