Singapore, Indonesia Launch Defence Alumni Network
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- Singapore and Indonesia launched the Persahabatan Alumni Pertahanan (PERSAHAN) initiative on July 14 in Jakarta, creating a formal network for military officers who have trained in each other’s countries.
- Chan Chun Sing and Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, defense ministers of Singapore and Indonesia, jointly presided over the launch, underscoring personal and institutional bonds formed over decades of military collaboration.
- Vice-Admiral Aaron Beng and General Agus Subiyanto were named co-presidents of PERSAHAN, which aims to sustain personal and professional connections among SAF and TNI officers beyond active service.
- Mindef stated the initiative strengthens people-to-people ties between the Singapore Armed Forces and Indonesian National Defence Forces, reflecting a long-standing bilateral defense friendship.
- Chan Chun Sing highlighted ongoing joint projects, including the co-development of the Siabu Air Weapons Range in Riau and training facilities in Baturaja and West Kalimantan.
- Agus Subiyanto described the alumni network as a milestone, emphasizing its role in deepening individual and institutional relationships between the TNI and SAF.
Why it matters: The formalization of a defense alumni network solidifies institutional continuity in Singapore-Indonesia military relations, ensuring that personal ties among officers translate into sustained cooperation on joint training and regional security operations, even as leadership changes over time.
