BILATERAL ARMY EXERCISE STRENGTHENS S'PORE-INDONESIA TIES

For Captain (CPT) H S Harahap, participating in Exercise Safkar Indopura this year has been a senang (Bahasa Indonesian for without worry) experience.

The Officer Commanding of the 413rd Infantry Battalion from the Indonesian National Army (TNI-AD) is appreciative of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) soldiers, describing the latter as professional and friendly, and adding that his troops can learn from their Singaporean counterparts.

"We're very glad to be here," said the 30-year-old. "We get to learn from each other and also better our relationship."

The Singapore Army and TNI-AD are conducting the annual bilateral exercise in Singapore from 19 Nov to 2 Dec.

Representing the Singapore Army are commanders and soldiers from the 3rd Singapore Infantry Brigade (3 SIB) and 5th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (5 SIR).

Agreeing with CPT Harahap is Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Andrew Lim, Commanding Officer of 5 SIR.

He said: "The brigade commanders have put in the effort to ensure that the professional exchanges are most ideal. In particular, extra efforts have been put into showcasing the SAF's transformation."

The TNI-AD soldiers find urban operations most interesting because these are different from what they are traditionally trained in.

Although there were initial concerns that language might be a barrier between the soldiers from both armies, LTC Lim said: "Thankfully, the soldiers have attended a basic language programme, which helps to bridge the initial gap.

"But we're all soldiers, and all of us are from Southeast Asia. With our longstanding relationship, we've managed to overcome any communication problems."

The exercise, which is the 19th in the series, also includes a war-gaming simulation exercise, which allows both armies to familiarise themselves with each other s operational and training frameworks.

The combined training enables the two armies to operate seamlessly together, culminating in the conduct of a combined live-firing exercise on Nov 29 at the SAFTI Live Firing Area.

The live-firing exercise which precedes the closing ceremony sees both armies' soldiers taking down enemy forces at the top of the knoll.

Together with the Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore Mr Wardana, Chief of Army Major-General (MG) Neo Kian Hong and Deputy Chief of Indonesian National Army Lieutenant-General Cornel Simbolon officiated at the closing ceremony after the combined live-firing exercise.

Speaking to soldiers from both armies, MG Neo said that this year's exercise had once again provided "valuable opportunities for the officers and men of both armies to familiarise" with each other s training systems, doctrines and procedures.

He added: "Equally important, it forged the spirit of trust, friendship and mutual understanding amongst our officers and soldiers at all levels."

Exercise Safkar Indopura not only showcases the excellent ties between both armies, but also strengthens cooperation and personal relationships through the sharing of experiences and exchange of professional knowledge.