Indonesian Air Force Chief of Staff receives prestigious military award from S'pore

SINGAPORE - The Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU), Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Ida Bagus Putu Dunia has been conferred a prestigious military award, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentara), or Meritorious Service Medal (Military), by Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam.

ACM Putu, who arrived here yesterday, was presented the award by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) this morning.

The ministry said in a statement today that the award was a recognition of his significant contributions in strengthening the long-standing friendship and professional cooperation between TNI-AU and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) with strong bilateral cooperation and frequent exchanges.

"Under the leadership of ACM Putu, the two Air Forces continued their frequent professional and personal interactions through regular bilateral exercises, which include Exercise Elang Indopura, Exercise Camar Indopura and Exercise Manyar Indopura. ACM Putu also played an instrumental role in initiating new professional exchanges between the two Air Forces, which have enhanced the professionalism of and mutual understanding between the two air forces," Mindef added.

ACM Putu had earlier called on Dr Ng and Chief of Air Force Major-General Hoo Cher Mou. He also inspected a Guard of Honour contingent at Mindef prior to the investiture.

huizhen@sph.com.sg