Singapore and Indonesia Launch Indonesia-Singapore Defence Alumni Initiative, Reaffirm Strong and Long-standing Bilateral Defence Relations

Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing and Indonesian Defence Minister General (Hon)(Rtd) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin jointly launched the Indonesia-Singapore (INDOSIN) Defence Alumni initiative earlier today as co-founders of the Alumni, alongside the co-Presidents Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral (VADM) Aaron Beng and Chief of Defence Force of Indonesia General Agus Subiyanto. The launch was commemorated through the joint signing of the INDOSIN Defence Alumni's Initiating Directive and the unveiling of the alumni logo.

The ceremony was also attended by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI) officers from previous cohorts of professional military courses, a reflection of the close personal and professional bonds formed between the personnel of the two armed forces over the past decades. Mr Chan also attended the SAF Day Reception, an annual diplomatic and military event hosted by the Defence Attache's Office to commemorate the SAF Day, following the launch of the INDOSIN Defence Alumni initiative.

The Alumni brings together generations of SAF and TNI officers who have participated in each other's courses and trainings. It will enable these officers to maintain their personal and professional ties beyond active service, strengthening people-to-people ties between Singapore and Indonesia across generations. Lauding the event as another milestone in the defence relations between the two militaries, General Agus Subiyanto said that he was "honoured to grace the launch of the initiative, which will strengthen the relationship between individuals from the TNI and SAF, as well as both institutions in the future."

During the meeting with General (Hon)(Rtd) Sjafrie, both Ministers reaffirmed their countries' commitment to work closely together and explore new areas of bilateral cooperation. Both sides also agreed on the importance of continued collaboration through multilateral platforms such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM).

Mr Chan is in Indonesia from 14 to 15 July. The visit underscores the strong and longstanding defence relationship between Singapore and Indonesia, and both countries are committed to further strengthening bilateral defence cooperation.

More Resources

Speech by Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing at the SAF Day Reception on 14 July 2026 at the Ritz-Carlton, Jakarta, Indonesia

Fact Sheet: Indonesia-Singapore Defence Alumni (Persahan) Initiative