Singapore and Indonesia are exploring the joint development of military training facilities in West Kalimantan, Baturaja in South Sumatra, and the Siabu Air Weapons Range, according to Singapore Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing.
He noted that the initiative will provide both armed forces more opportunities to learn from each other. Singapore’s special forces will also conduct inaugural training in West Kalimantan in the coming months to test the facilities.
Chan, who visited Jakarta for a two-day trip ending August 6, met his Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and affirmed strong bilateral defence ties. He also announced upcoming joint fighter air patrols between the two nations.
Delivering a lecture at Indonesia’s National Resilience Institute to 250 future leaders, Chan highlighted the common values shared by both countries, including respect for international law and multicultural harmony.
Singapore is Indonesia’s top foreign investor, and security cooperation spans decades, beginning with Exercise Eagle Indopura in 1974. Joint exercises now include all military branches and coordinated sea and air patrols.
The latest Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA), signed in 2007 and enforced in 2024, solidifies SAF’s training rights in Indonesian territories, respecting Indonesia’s sovereignty. The DCA and its implementation framework will last 25 years.
Chan also met Indonesia’s Vice-Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Lodewijk Freidrich Paulus to discuss further cooperation on cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection.
