Commander-in-Chief of the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI) Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Hadi Tjahjanto, was conferred Singapore's prestigious military award, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) [or Meritorious Service Medal (Military)], by President Halimah Yacob. Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the award to ACM Hadi at an investiture held at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this morning.

ACM Hadi was conferred the award for his significant contributions in his former capacity as Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) in strengthening the close and long-standing defence ties between the TNI-AU and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). Under ACM Hadi’s leadership, the two air forces have enhanced interoperability and mutual understanding through the regular conduct of bilateral exercises, such as Exercise Camar Indopura and Exercise Manyar Indopura. In September 2017, the two air forces also successfully conducted a combined flypast – the largest and most complex between the RSAF and any foreign air force to date – to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Indonesia.

ACM Hadi, who is also in Singapore for his introductory visit as Commander-in-Chief, called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana this afternoon. As part of his programme, ACM Hadi also called on Dr Ng and Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Perry Lim, and reviewed a Guard of Honour at MINDEF this morning prior to the investiture. ACM Hadi will be visiting the RSAF50@Singapore Airshow 2018 at the Changi Exhibition Centre later this afternoon.