1.         The Singapore Army and the Indonesian National Army are conducting the bilateral exercise, Exercise Safkar Indopura, from 15 to 28 Nov 05 in Singapore. The exercise is the 17^th in the series. Chief of Army Major-General Desmond Kuek and Chief of Staff, Indonesian National Army, General Djoko Santoso officiated at the closing ceremony this morning at the SAFTI Military Institute Live Firing Area.

2.         Approximately 900 soldiers from the Third Singapore Infantry Brigade (3 SIB), as well as the Strategic Reserve Command (KOSTRAD) and Bukit Barisan Regional Military Command (KODAM I) of the Indonesian National Army, are participating in this year’s exercise. As part of the exercise, the two armies held a war-gaming simulation exercise, which allowed both sides to familiarise themselves with each other’s operational and training procedures. This enabled the two armies to operate seamlessly together, for the successful conduct of a combined brigade full troop exercise.

3.         Exercise Safkar Indopura is a testament to the excellent ties between the Singapore Army and Indonesian National Army. The exchange of professional knowledge and expertise as well as the informal social interactions further enhanced the close cooperation and strong camaraderie between the two armies. 

Chief of Army Major-General Desmond Kuek handing over the SAFKAR torch to Chief of Staff, Indonesian National Army, General Djoko Santoso