Singapore, Indonesia launch defense alumni network to strengthen ties

Singapore and Indonesia have launched a new defense alumni network, PERSAHAN, marking a significant step in deepening their already close military cooperation. The initiative, officially known as Persahabatan Alumni Pertahanan, aims to build upon the decades-long friendship between the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI).

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Partners like Indonesia and the TNI have been, and will continue to be, critical to the security of this part of the world, and our partnership will continue to promote peace in the broader region.

Singapore's Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing and his Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin jointly inaugurated the network in Jakarta. The name PERSAHAN combines Indonesian words for "friendship" and "defense alumni." Minister Chan highlighted the personal and professional bonds forged during his own service, emphasizing that partners like Indonesia are critical to regional security and peace.

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I have made many good friends in the TNI that I grew up with, including Menhan Pak Sjafrie.

The network will serve as a platform for current and former officers who have trained or served in each other's countries. It seeks to maintain personal and professional ties beyond active service, thereby strengthening intergenerational connections between the two militaries. The initiative is co-led by Singapore's Chief of Defence Force Vice-Admiral Aaron Beng and Indonesia's Armed Forces Commander General Agus Subiyanto.

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It will enable these officers to maintain their personal and professional ties beyond active service, strengthening people-to-people links between Singapore and Indonesia across generations.

During the launch ceremony, the founding directive and logo of PERSAHAN were unveiled, featuring national symbols from both countries. General Agus Subiyanto described the launch as a milestone, expressing confidence that it will further enhance the relationship between individuals and institutions of the TNI and SAF. Both nations reiterated their pledge to continue strengthening defense cooperation, underscoring the importance of their partnership for regional stability.

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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