Singapore and Indonesia Conduct Bilateral Army Exercise

The Singapore Army and the Indonesian National Army (TNI-AD) are conducting an annual bilateral exercise, code-named Safkar Indopura, in Singapore from 19 Nov to 2 Dec 07. A battalion-level exercise which began in 1989, this year's Safkar Indopura is the 19th in the series.

Chief of Army Major-General Neo Kian Hong and Deputy Chief of Indonesian National Army Lieutenant-General Cornel Simbolon officiated at the closing ceremony, held at the SAFTI Live Firing Area (LFA) this afternoon.

A total of approximately 350 commanders and soldiers from the 3rd Singapore Infantry Brigade (3 SIB) and 5th Battalion Singapore Infantry Regiment (5 SIR); and the 6th Infantry Brigade and 413rd Infantry Battalion from the 2nd Infantry Division / Strategic Reserve Command (KOSTRAD) of the Indonesian National Army participated in the exercise.

The exercise also included a war-gaming simulation exercise, which allowed both armies to familiarise themselves with each other's operational and training frameworks. The combined training enabled the two armies to operate seamlessly together culminating in the conduct of a combined live firing exercise at SAFTI LFA.

The successful conduct of the 19th Exercise Safkar Indopura is testament to the excellent ties between the Singapore Army and the Indonesian National Army. The exercise strengthened the close cooperation between the two armies, and enhanced personal relationships through the sharing of experiences and the exchange of professional knowledge.