TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Air Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto held today, July 23, a video teleconference with the Chief of Defence Force of the Singapore Armed Force Gen. Melvyn Ong, discussing joint training and military partnership.

Hadi said in a written statement received by Tempo that cooperation and mutual trust are the keys to success in dealing with various spectrums of current and future challenges. The Singapore Armed Force (SAF) and the Indonesian Military needed to strengthen their ties.

“Defense cooperation is one of the fundamental pillars in Indonesia-Singapore bilateral relations. Hence, the training and cooperation, as well as the relationship of the SAF and the TNI, must be maintained,” added the TNI spokesman Lt. Col. Sus Aidil.

Other than discussing military training and cooperation, Sus said the two armed forces deliberated the role and contribution of the military in mitigating COVID-19 in their respective country.

He mentioned that the communication, either related to the pandemic handling or counter-terrorism and maritime security issues, was still afoot to be further improved.

According to Sus, General Melvyn Ong welcomed the plan. “After the COVID-19 pandemic is over, the joint military training and cooperation are expected to be carried out according to plan,” Sus concluded.

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EGI ADYATAMA