RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and Singapore reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral defense cooperation following high‑level military talks in Singapore aimed at strengthening regional security and interoperability between the two armed forces.

The 22nd Indonesian Military (TNI)–Singapore Armed Forces Annual Staff Meeting (TSASM) 2026 was held in Singapore from June 2 to 4, bringing together senior military officials from both countries to review existing cooperation programs and chart future collaboration.

The Indonesian delegation was led by TNI Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Richard T.H. Tampubolon, according to TNI spokesperson Col.Agung Saptoadi. “The event took place over two days, from Tuesday (June 2) to Thursday (June 4),” Agung said on Thursday, June 4, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He described the annual meeting as a strategic consultation forum between the TNI and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to evaluate and strengthen bilateral defense cooperation.

“The 22nd TSASM was co‑chaired by TNI Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Richard T.H. Tampubolon and Singapore Armed Forces Chief of Staff–Joint Staff Brig. Gen. Chan Ching Hao,” he said.

The meeting served as a platform to review the implementation of existing defense cooperation programs while discussing future directions for collaboration.

Before the main session, Lt. Gen. Richard paid a courtesy call on Brig. Gen. Chan as part of efforts to strengthen professional relations and mutual understanding between the two armed forces.

Delegations then held comprehensive discussions on developments across various bilateral cooperation mechanisms under the Indonesia–Singapore defense partnership framework.

Progress reports were presented on several joint committees, including the Indonesia–Singapore Joint Intelligence Committee (ISJIC), the Indonesia–Singapore Joint Operations and Exercise Committee (ISJOEC), the Indonesia–Singapore Joint Education and Staff Planning Committee (ISJESPC), and the Indonesia–Singapore Joint Logistics Committee (ISJLC).

The two sides also exchanged views on strategic defense issues of mutual concern and discussed preparations for the next TSASM meeting.

“Lt. Gen. Richard conveyed that cooperation between the TNI and SAF has developed positively and constructively over the years, making an important contribution to building mutual trust, enhancing interoperability, and strengthening regional stability,” Agung continued.

He added that through the TSASM mechanism, both countries remain committed to expanding mutually beneficial cooperation based on the principles of equality, mutual respect, and shared interests.

The Indonesian delegation included representatives from TNI Headquarters, the Army, Navy, Air Force, the Indonesian Defense Attaché in Singapore, and personnel from the TNI Center for International Cooperation.

According to Agung, the participation of representatives from across military branches reflects the TNI’s commitment to building comprehensive defense cooperation with the SAF.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the heads of both delegations signed the official minutes of the 22nd TSASM, formalizing agreements reached during the discussions and outlining follow‑up measures for future Indonesia–Singapore defense cooperation.

“The signing of the minutes reaffirms both countries’ commitment to strengthening a professional, adaptive, and peace‑oriented defense partnership that contributes to regional stability,” he concluded. ***