The Chief of the Indonesian Navy Admiral (ADM) Dr Muhammad Ali was conferred Singapore's prestigious military award, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) or Meritorious Service Medal (Military) [MSM(M)], by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the award to ADM Dr Ali at an investiture held at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this morning.

ADM Dr Ali was conferred the award in recognition of his significant contributions towards strengthening ties and friendship between the Indonesian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy. Under ADM Dr Ali’s leadership, both navies implemented the Defence Cooperation Agreement through the conduct of Joint Training in the Natuna Sea. His support for the Coordinated Patrol Indonesia-Singapore paved the way for greater practical cooperation in maritime security. Both navies also interacted regularly through high-level visits, cross-attendance of courses, professional navy-to-navy exchanges, and the conduct of bilateral exercises such as Exercise Eagle Indopura and Exercise Joint Minex Pandu. These interactions contributed to the deepening of mutual understanding, enhanced interoperability, and strengthened the people-to-people ties between both navies.

ADM Dr Ali is in Singapore from 12 to 14 March 2025. Prior to the MSM(M) investiture, ADM Dr Ali inspected a Guard of Honour and called on Dr Ng and Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Sean Wat.