The Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) Admiral (ADM) Muhammad Ali called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this afternoon. During their meeting, Dr Ng and ADM Ali reaffirmed the close and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and Indonesia as well as the TNI AL and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s strong bilateral cooperation in maritime security.

ADM Ali, who is in Singapore from 19 to 21 February 2023 for his introductory visit, also called on Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong and Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Aaron Beng after inspecting a Guard of Honour at MINDEF. As part of his visit, ADM Ali visited the RSS Singapura-Changi Naval Base yesterday, where he toured the RSN's submarine support vessel MV Swift Rescue and other training facilities there.

The RSN and the TNI AL interact regularly through professional exchanges and collaboration through the multilateral Malacca Straits Patrol. Both navies also conduct bilateral exercises including Exercise Eagle Indopura – the Singapore Armed Forces' longest-running bilateral exercise, and the Joint Minex Pandu, a bilateral mine-countermeasure and clearance diving exercise. These regular interactions have strengthened cooperation and enhanced the close ties between both navies.