The Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy, Admiral (ADM) Marsetio, and the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Ida Bagus Putu Dunia, are in Singapore for their introductory visits. ADM Marsetio and ACM Putu called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), on 4 and 5 Mar 2013 respectively.

While at MINDEF, ADM Marsetio and ACM Putu also called on their respective counterparts, Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral (RADM) Ng Chee Peng and Chief of Air Force Major-General (MG) Ng Chee Meng. During the bilateral meetings, both sides reaffirmed the close professional cooperation between both defence forces as well as reiterated their mutual commitment to continue to strengthen defence ties.

ADM Marsetio, who is in Singapore from 3 to 5 Mar 2013, also visited the Naval Diving Unit at Sembawang Camp yesterday morning. ACM Putu, who is in Singapore from 4 to 6 Mar 2013, will also be visiting 145 Squadron at Changi Air Base (East) this afternoon.

The introductory visits by ADM Marsetio and ACM Putu, the first for both since assuming their appointments in Dec 2012, underscore the strong and long-standing defence relationship between Singapore and Indonesia. The Republic of Singapore Navy and the Indonesian Navy have cooperated in the Indonesia-Singapore Coordinated Patrol to deter sea robberies since 1992 and have been exercising together since 1974 under the ambit of Exercise Eagle, while the Republic of Singapore Air Force and the Indonesian Air Force have been exercising together since 1980 under Exercise Elang Indopura. There are also regular visits, professional exchanges, and cross-attendance of courses between the two Air Forces as well as between both Navies. These interactions have enhanced the professionalism, friendship and mutual understanding between personnel from both armed forces.