The Commander-in-Chief of the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Hadi Tjahjanto was conferred Singapore's highest military award, the Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Tentera) [Distinguished Service Order (Military)], by President Halimah Yacob at the Istana this afternoon.

ACM Hadi was conferred the award for his significant contributions in strengthening the close and long-standing defence relations between the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the TNI. Under ACM Hadi's leadership, both militaries have deepened cooperation and forged closer rapport between personnel of both armed forces through regular bilateral interactions, which include professional exchanges, the cross-attendance of courses and exercises. Of note, the SAF and the TNI commemorated significant milestones such as the 30th edition of the bilateral army exercise Exercise Safkar Indopura in 2018, the 25th edition of the bilateral naval exercise Exercise Eagle Indopura in 2019, as well as the 40th anniversary of bilateral relations between the Republic of Singapore Air Force and the Indonesian Air Force in 2021.

ACM Hadi has also strongly supported efforts by the SAF and the TNI to work together through multilateral platforms such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus Experts Working Groups, the ASEAN Chiefs of Defence Forces' Meeting, the Malacca Straits Patrol and the Counter-Terrorism Information Facility to enhance regional security cooperation.

Guests at the investiture included Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr Chan Heng Kee, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Melvyn Ong, Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Aaron Beng, as well as other senior government officials and military officers from Singapore and Indonesia.

Prior to the investiture, ACM Hadi inspected a Guard of Honour and called on Dr Ng and LG Ong at the Ministry of Defence.

Relevant health checks and safety measures were taken by the visiting delegation.