Indonesian Army boosts defense ties with Singapore

hartono · May 5, 2026

The Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army (KSAD) General Maruli Simanjuntak (left) together with the Chief of the Singapore Army, Major General Cai Dexian (right) at Army Headquarters in Jakarta, Monday (May 4, 2026).(ANTARA/HO-Humas TNI AD)

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Army (TNI AD) strengthens defense cooperation with the Singapore Army to ensure regional security.

This collaboration was established when the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army (KSAD), General Maruli Simanjuntak, met with the Chief of the Singapore Army, Major General Cai Dexian, at Army Headquarters (Mabesad) in Jakarta, Monday.

"The relationship between TNI AD and the Singapore Army has been very good and constructive so far. It is part of our contribution to maintaining regional stability and security," Simanjuntak said in a press release received in Jakarta on Tuesday.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed military cooperation plans, such as increasing soldier capacity through military education, joint training, as well as the exchange of military knowledge and experience. He also plans to continue the collaborations.

On that occasion, Simanjuntak awarded the Order of Honor of the Republic of Indonesia, Bintang Utama Kartika Eka Paksi, to Major General Dexian.

The award is the highest honor from the Indonesian Army to foreign military figures who are deemed to have contributed to building friendly relations and cooperation with the TNI.

He also expressed hope that the meeting would further strengthen bilateral and military relations between Indonesia and Singapore.