RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and Singapore are stepping up military cooperation to bolster regional security, with the Indonesian Army (TNI AD) and the Singapore Army reaffirming their partnership during a high-level meeting in Jakarta.

Army Chief of Staff General Maruli Simanjuntak welcomed Chief of the Singapore Army Major General Cai Dexian at the Indonesian Army Headquarters, on Monday, May 4, 2026. The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration in maintaining stability across Southeast Asia.

“The Indonesian Army and the Singapore Army have long enjoyed a strong and constructive relationship. This is part of our contribution to safeguarding regional stability and security,” Maruli said in a press release issued on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Cai Dexian was received with an official welcoming ceremony before both sides discussed plans to expand cooperation. The agenda included enhancing soldier capacity through military education, joint exercises, and exchanges of knowledge and operational experience.

Maruli also highlighted existing collaborations that have proven effective and expressed his intention to continue and deepen those efforts.

The meeting concluded with Maruli presenting Cai Dexian the Indonesian Kartika Eka Paksi Utama Star, the highest honor bestowed by the Indonesian Army on foreign military figures who have significantly contributed to friendship and cooperation.

“This award represents the highest recognition from the Indonesian Army to foreign military leaders who have played a vital role in building ties with us,” Maruli noted.

The encounter reflects Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral defense ties with Singapore, ensuring that cooperation in training, knowledge-sharing, and joint operations continues to support peace and security in the region. ***