Indonesia, Singapore Armies Deepen Partnership in 32nd Exercise Chandrapura

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Singapore and Indonesia have reaffirmed their long-standing defense partnership through the completion of the 32nd Exercise Chandrapura (XCP), a joint training program that brought together elite units from both countries in Singapore from July 1–6, 2026.

The exercise involved Singapore’s 1st Commando Battalion and Indonesia’s Kopassus special forces, with personnel exchanging expertise in mission planning, commando tactics, and operational techniques.

Training sessions included close-quarters combat, fast-roping, rappelling, and static parachute jumps, culminating in a joint Field Training Exercise at SAFTI City where both sides simulated an assault on enemy targets.

As a gesture of camaraderie, soldiers from both armies exchanged parachutist badges at the closing ceremony, which was co-led by Singapore Army Chief of Staff Brigadier General Wong Shi Ming and Indonesian Army Deputy Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Muhammad Saleh Mustafa.

Brig. Gen. Wong highlighted the deeper significance of the exercise, describing it as a testament to the enduring friendship and trust between the two forces.

“The true strength of this partnership lies in the bonds of friendship and trust built among our soldiers. I hope the ties forged during these days will continue to grow and strengthen our armies in the years ahead,” he said, as quoted by Antara.

First held in 1994, Exercise Chandrapura has become a cornerstone of defense cooperation between Singapore and Indonesia. Beyond joint drills, the two armies regularly engage through high-level visits, professional exchanges, and participation in military education programs, reinforcing a relationship that continues to evolve with shared experiences and mutual respect. ***