SAF, TNI BOND OVER INTERACTION GAMES

The Singapore Armed Forces and the Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI), its Indonesian counterparts, held their annual Army Interaction Games (AIG) from 24 to 25 Jul.

Into its third year, the AIG comprised activities such as a friendly shooting competition, golf, and an official dinner. These events gave commanders of both the Singapore and Indonesian armies a valuable opportunity to enhance mutual understanding as well as to forge new friendships.

Reiterating the significance of such bilateral interaction, TNI's Chief of Army, KASAD GEN TNI Agustadi Sasongko Purnomo said: "Through the programme and get-together, we are able to meet our counterparts, exchange information and open new channels of communication for a variety of interconnected issues between our two armed forces."

"I hope the AIG will continue, and in time, be elevated in stature as this will benefit the personnel involved."

Chief of Army, Major-General (MG) Neo Kian Hong, agreed with his Indonesian counterpart.

"I am convinced that the SAF and TNI are ideal defence partners and have much to offer each other," he said. "It is important for both armies to maintain the current interactions that anchor the existing close relationship."

The TNI and the SAF have had extensive professional and hospitality-based interactions over the years.

They regularly engage in bilateral exchanges and exercises, such as Exercise Safkar Indopura between KOSTRAD and the 3rd Division, as well as Exercise Chandrapura, between the SAF Commandos and KOPASSUS.