FORMER INDONESIAN NAVAL CHIEF RECEIVES MILITARY AWARD

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean conferred the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) or Meritorious Service Medal (Military) - Singapore's prestigious military award - on the former Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL), Admiral (ADM) Tedjo Edhy Purdijatno, at the Ministry of Defence on 3 Dec.

ADM Tedjo received the medal for his exemplary contributions in strengthening ties between the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and TNI-AL when he was TNI-AL's Chief of Staff from July 2008 to November 2009.

The RSN and TNI-AL have been working closely to enhance regional maritime security through the Malacca Straits Patrols and Project SURPIC, a sea surveillance system which enables the two navies to share maritime information on the Singapore Strait.

Both navies interact regularly through joint exercises, professional exchanges, socio-civic missions and port calls.

ADM Tedjo has also played a key role in establishing an enhanced Senior Officers' Interaction Programme, which allows the two navies to share their professional experiences and foster closer ties.

Such interactions have enhanced the professionalism and interoperability of the RSN and TNI-AL while deepening the rapport and understanding between the personnel of both navies.

During his visit to Singapore from 2 to 4 Dec, ADM Tedjo called on Mr Teo and Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Chew Men Leong. He also visited Changi Naval Base.