Singapore – Admiral Muhammad Ali, Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy (KSAL), has been honored with the distinguished Meritorious Service Medal, or Pingat Jasa Gemilang, in a formal ceremony held in Singapore on Thursday, March 13. The medal was presented by Singapore’s Minister of Defence, Ng Eng Han, in recognition of Admiral Ali’s strategic contributions to maritime diplomacy between the two nations.
Established in 1962, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang is one of Singapore’s highest national awards, granted to individuals demonstrating exceptional dedication and excellence in service. Admiral I.M Wira Hady, Chief of the Indonesian Navy’s Public Affairs Office, noted that the award acknowledges Admiral Ali’s commitment to strengthening bilateral naval ties and operational synergy with the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
During the ceremony, Admiral Ali, accompanied by Rear Admiral Sean Wat, Chief of the Singapore Navy, expressed his gratitude and reaffirmed Indonesia’s intent to deepen defense relations with Singapore in the years ahead.
Over the past decade, Indonesia and Singapore have cultivated a dynamic defense relationship, particularly in the maritime domain. Joint naval exercises such as Eagle Indopura, held biennially in the Riau Islands region, and the multilateral SEACAT (Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training) exercises hosted by the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet, serve as cornerstone initiatives for regional maritime readiness.
In 2024, the Indonesian Navy deployed a delegation of officers to Singapore for SEACAT, further exemplifying its commitment to collaborative maritime security. Another area of strategic cooperation involves mine warfare training along maritime boundaries adjacent to the South China Sea—an increasingly sensitive zone for regional security.
The conferral of the Pingat Jasa Gemilang underscores Singapore’s recognition of Admiral Ali’s leadership in fostering trust and interoperability between the two naval forces. It also highlights the broader importance of defense diplomacy as a stabilizing force in Southeast Asia’s evolving geopolitical landscape.
Admiral Ali’s award not only honors his personal achievements but also symbolizes Indonesia’s enduring commitment to proactive, peaceful, and professional regional engagement.
