The Commander-in-Chief of the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI) General (GEN) Moeldoko has been conferred Singapore’s prestigious military award, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) [or Meritorious Service Medal (Military)], by President Tony Tan Keng Yam. Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the award to GEN Moeldoko at an investiture held at MINDEF this afternoon. GEN Moeldoko is on his introductory visit to Singapore from 24 to 26 Nov 2013. 

The medal was awarded to GEN Moeldoko in recognition of his significant contributions as former Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army (TNI-AD) in strengthening the defence ties between the TNI-AD and the Singapore Army. GEN Moeldoko promoted closer professional ties between both forces through his support for the collaboration on the Leopard Main Battle Tank (MBT) platform. His active guidance saw both forces share experiences and conduct simulator and hands-on training on the Leopard MBT. GEN Moeldoko also showed unstinting support for key bilateral Army exercises Safkar Indopura and Chandrapura, which celebrated their 25th and 20th anniversaries respectively this year. 

GEN Moeldoko will be calling on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana later this afternoon, after having called on Dr Ng and Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng prior to the investiture. 

The visit by GEN Moeldoko underscores the excellent and long-standing defence ties between Singapore and Indonesia. The Singapore Armed Forces and the TNI interact regularly through a wide range of activities, which include visits, cross-attendance of courses, professional exchanges and bilateral exercises. These extensive interactions have strengthened mutual understanding and friendship between the two armed forces.