The Singapore Army and the Indonesian Army (TNI-AD) have successfully conducted the 30th edition of their flagship bilateral exercise, Exercise Safkar Indopura, which took place from 12 to 19 November 2018. Chief of Army Brigadier-General (BG) Goh Si Hou and Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army General Mulyono co-officiated at the closing ceremony of the exercise in Asembagus, Indonesia, on 19 November.

Hosted by Indonesia this year, the eight-day exercise provided opportunities for both armies to build stronger bonds and deepen mutual understanding through a series of professional exchanges, live-firing, tactical drills, battalion field training exercises, and culminated with a battalion-level combined arms live-firing mission comprising infantry and armour elements. This year's exercise involved 460 personnel, comprising troops from Headquarters 3rd Singapore Infantry Brigade, 2nd Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment, and 48th Battalion, Singapore Armoured Regiment, from the Singapore Army, as well as troops from the 16th Mechanised Brigade, the 512th and 516th Mechanised Battalions, and the 8th Cavalry Battalion from the TNI-AD.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, BG Goh noted that the exercise had achieved its objectives of raising professionalism, strengthening friendships and fostering mutual understanding between the two armies. He said, "Since its humble beginnings as a map planning exercise, Exercise Safkar Indopura has evolved to become a full-troop exercise with a battalion-level combined arms live-firing component. Today, I am proud to say that Exercise Safkar Indopura is the largest bilateral exercise between the TNI-AD and the Singapore Army. This is only possible because of the mutual trust and understanding that our Armies have developed over the years".

First conducted in 1989, Exercise Safkar Indopura underscores the close and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and Indonesia. In addition to bilateral exercises, the Singapore Army and the TNI-AD also engage in a wide range of bilateral activities, including visits, professional exchanges and cross-attendance of courses. These interactions have enhanced the interoperability between the two armies and helped foster strong people-to-people ties.