The Commander-in-Chief of the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI) General (GEN) Andika Perkasa was conferred Singapore's prestigious military award, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) or Meritorious Service Medal (Military) [MSM(M)], by President Halimah Yacob. Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the award to GEN Andika at an investiture held at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this afternoon.

As the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army (KASAD) from 2018 to 2021, GEN Andika was conferred the award for his significant contributions in strengthening defence ties between the Singapore Army and the Indonesian Army. Under GEN Andika's leadership, the Singapore Army and the Indonesian Army have expanded bilateral defence cooperation and enhanced the people-to-people ties through professional exchanges between both Armies. Despite the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, both Armies remained adaptable and successfully concluded bilateral flagship exercises such as Exercise Safkar Indopura and Exercise Chandrapura, which is a strong testament to Singapore and Indonesia's commitment to strengthening defence ties.

GEN Andika is in Singapore from 7 to 11 June for his introductory visit and to attend the 19th Shangri-La Dialogue. Prior to the investiture, GEN Andika called on Dr Ng and Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Melvyn Ong after inspecting the Guard of Honour at MINDEF. As part of his visit programme, GEN Andika will visit the Information Fusion Centre and the Counter-Terrorism Information Facility at Changi Naval Base later today. Tomorrow, GEN Andika will co-chair the 23rd Combined Annual Report Meeting Indonesia-Singapore High Level Committee with LG Ong to discuss ways to deepen the close and long-standing relations between the Singapore Armed Forces and the TNI. GEN Andika will also call on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana.