Indonesia's Commander-in-Chief receives highest military honour
By Valarie Tan, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 23 November 2007 2006 hrs

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SINGAPORE: Singapore has conferred its highest military honour to the Commander-in-Chief of the Indonesian National Defence Forces.

Air Chief Marshal Djoko Suyanto was awarded the Military Distinguished Service Order by Singapore's President, S R Nathan.

The award recognises the commander's contributions towards enhancing strong ties between the Indonesian National Defence Forces and the Singapore Armed Forces.

Under Air Chief Marshal Djoko Suyanto, officers from both countries have conducted various bilateral exercises and exchanges.

These exercises included the biennial air force exercise, Elang Indopura; the annual army exercise, Safkar Indopura; the biennial navy exercise, Eagle.

The award ceremony was attended by Singapore's Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean, Second Defence Minister, Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister of State for Defence Associate Professor Koo Tsai Kee, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Desmond Kuek, as well as senior government officials from Singapore and Indonesia.

The Indonesian commander called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Friday morning, prior to the award ceremony.

Indonesia and Singapore also reaffirmed bilateral ties in a meeting between Air Chief Marshal Djoko Suyanto and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.

He called on Mr Goh at the Istana and exchanged views on developments in the region.


- CNA/so