Singapore and Indonesia enjoy close and long-standing military relations.

Such relations were built on a strong foundation of mutual trust, and close cooperation.

Both armed forces first took part in joint exercise in 1974

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Indonesian Armed Forces (Tentara Nasional Indonesia, TNI) cooperate across all three services in the following exercises:

• Eagle Indopura and Minex Pandu between the Navies;
• Elang Indopura, Camar Indopura and Manyar Indopura between the Air Forces;
• Safkar Indopura and Chandrapura between the Armies

The TNI was the first foreign military that the SAF cooperated with -- both navies cooperated in Exercise Eagle Indopura in 1974, according to the Ministry of Defence of Singapore (MINDEF).

The year 2019 marks a number of milestones in such bilateral exercises, including the 25th edition of Exercise Eagle Indopura, the 31st edition of Exercise Safkar Indopura, and the 20th anniversary of Exercise Camar Indopura.

Over 1,000 troops took part in exercises in 2019

So far, both countries have conducted seven bilateral exercises across all three services, in addition to counter-terrorism exercises.

By the end of 2019, more than 1,000 troops from both sides will have taken part in exercises over the course of the year.

Attended courses in each other's countries

In addition, about 200 SAF and TNI personnel from both armed forces attend courses in each other's countries every year.

In 2019, both the SAF and TNI also conducted the inaugural SAFTI Military-Institute-Akademi TNI Exchange Programme, which allowed both sides to "exchange valuable perspectives on training and development".

"These exchanges help build greater interoperability and friendship," said MINDEF.

Partners in ensuring maritime security

Both the SAF and the TNI are close partners in the Malacca Straits Patrol, which helps to ensure the security of the Strait of Malacca.

Both navies frequently share information on maritime security threats.

Other partners include Malaysia and Thailand.

Came to each other's aid in difficult times

Strong people-to-people ties and operational linkages between Singapore and Indonesia allow both Armed Forces to support each other in difficult times as well.

For instance, the TNI provided assistance in the aftermath of the SilkAir MI 185 crash in Palembang in 1997.

The SAF also deployed personnel in support of relief efforts in Aceh in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, and to Central Sulawesi after the 2018 earthquake and tsunami.

Furthermore, both MINDEF and Indonesia's Ministry of Defense (KEMHAN) work closely together at multilateral regional forums, such as the Asean Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus.

Singapore also welcomed Indonesia's Minister of Defence General (Rtd) Ryamizard Ryacudu's support for the 2019 Shangri-La Dialogue in June 2019, where he spoke alongside Singapore's Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen on the theme of "Ensuring a Resilient and Stable Region".

Singapore is also a strong supporter of the operationalisation of the Asean Our Eyes (AOE), which is a mechanism for strategic counter-terrorism information-sharing among Asean members.

The idea was first mooted by Indonesia.

To continue building strong defence partnership

Both Singapore and Indonesia will continue to strengthen their defence partnership, and deepen cooperation in mutually-beneficial areas such as maritime security and counter-terrorism exercises.

The two countries will also continue to deepen institutional and people-to-people ties at all levels through professional exchanges, dialogues and practical cooperation.

To work towards this goal, both MINDEF and KEMHAN have agreed to institutionalise the KEMHAN-MINDEF Interaction Programme, which will allow for bilateral dialogue and exchanges annually.

The regular exchange of insights and perspectives between both ministries will aid in strengthening bilateral defence ties.

Top image via Republic of Singapore Navy