Chief of Navy's Introductory Visit to Indonesia

Our Chief of Navy RADM Aaron Beng was hosted by Chief of the Indonesian Navy (KASAL) Admiral Yudo Margono in Jakarta, Indonesia for his introductory visit from 17 to 20 Aug 2022. During his visit, RADM Beng also called on Indonesian Deputy Defence Minister M. Herindra.

RADM Beng being received by the ceremonial Guard-of-Honour at the Indonesian Navy Headquarters.

RADM Beng (right) presenting Indonesian Deputy Minister of Defence M. Herindra (left) with a memento.

During the meetings, RADM Beng reaffirmed the close and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and Indonesia, and discussed ways to further defence cooperation between both navies. In spite of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, both navies have continued to regularly conduct exercises such as Exercise Eagle Indopura. We continue to strengthen ties with the resumption of physical interactions at the recent Exercise Super Garuda Shield and Exercise Joint Minex Pandu.

Both our Navies regularly participate in bilateral and multilateral exercises together. In August 2022, our RSN Bedok-class mine countermeasure vessels (MCMVs), RSS Bedok and RSS Punggol, sailed in formation with the TNI AL's Pulau Rengat-class MCMVs, KRI Pulau Rengat and KRI Pulau Rupat during a combined mine countermeasure and clearance diving exercise, Joint Minex Pandu.

Both our Navies cooperate in many areas to ensure the maritime security of the Singapore Strait. RSS Fortitude (left) and KRI Bung Tomo (right) worked together to keep the waters safe as our leaders made their way to and from Bintan for the Singapore-Indonesia Leaders' Retreat held in January 2022.

RADM Beng also met with Commander of Indonesian Fleet (PANG KOARMADA RI) VADM Abdul Rasyid Kacong at the Fleet Headquarters and Head Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (KABAKAMLA) VADM Aan Kurnia at the Indonesian Maritime Information Centre (IMIC). 

A show of solidarity and strength amongst friends at the Indonesian Fleet Headquarters.

RADM Beng and VADM Rasyid spoke on new opportunities for operational cooperation, including in the area of submarine rescue.

VADM Aan shared that the cooperation between Singapore's Information Fusion Centre (IFC) and IMIC has led to strengthened bilateral cooperation in maritime security through information-sharing linkages to enhance MARSEC responses.

VADM Aan (right) presenting a memento to RADM Beng (left) during his visit to BAKAMLA.

RADM Beng's visit underscores the excellent ties and friendship between the both the Singapore and Indonesian navies. Accompanying him are Fleet Commander, RADM Sean Wat and Head Naval Intelligence COL Lim Huay Wen.

Photos courtesy of Indonesia Ministry of Defense (KEMHAN) and TNI Angkatan Laut.