EXERCISE ELANG INDOPURA MARKS 30 YEARS OF COOPERATION

Many great opportunities to share and hone operational knowledge; that is what the two sides engaged in this year's edition of the air exercise, codenamed Elang Indopura, are saying of their experiences thus far. For 15 days from 26 Nov, airmen from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) are conducting joint fighter sorties from Ngurah Rai Air Base in Bali, Indonesia.

This is the 16th time the biennial exercise is being held, marking 30 years of bilateral training. "We came here with an open mind, with the aim of learning best practices from each other," said the Exercise Director Colonel (COL) Ho Foo Sing, Commander Fighter Group, Air Combat Command.

The friendship between personnel from both air forces was clearly evident in the easy smiles and constant conversations, both professional and casual. One of the things the RSAF shared with their Indonesian counterparts was basic air combat tactics.

Over the course of the exercise, both sides made sure to keep channels of communication open."The exchange of ideas through presentations and seminars from both sides were very insightful, especially in the area of operational safety," said COL Ho.

"Each year, the level of interoperatibility has increased. This year, cooperation between us (the two air forces) has been very tight." said COL Andyawan Martono Putra, the Indonesian Exercise Director.

For relatively new pilots like Lieutenant (LTA) Devdutt from the RSAF, the chance to train in Bali was an opportunity not to be missed. "The airspace is larger here and I have been flying more complex missions. It really is an invaluable opportunity to learn," he said.

Experienced pilots such as LTA Andri Setyawan of the TNI-AU also appreciated the chance to operate together. "Because we operate different aircraft, exercises like this are very good for fostering better understanding between us," he said.

In order to coordinate their aerial movements, personnel from both sides met two hours before each sortie to work out the details. "This is a good practice and it is really what makes combined missions possible," said F-16 pilot LTA Andri. This is the second time the 28-year old pilot has worked with the RSAF; first as a Wingman during a 2008 exercise, and now as an Element Leader within his squadron.

Likewise, aircraft maintenance personnel also benefited from the bilateral exercise. It was an opportunity to witness how the RSAF operates its advanced fighter aircraft, said 2nd Lieutenant Ade Chrissanda, a maintenance officer from the Indonesian air force. "We shared many things, from the arrangement of aircraft on the flight line to the servicing of aircraft components and I am happy for these exchanges," he said.

Apart from professional exchanges, Military Expert 2 (ME2) Ang Meng Khoon also appreciated the Indonesians' hospitality. Referring to the Indonesian hosts as "friendly and accommodating", ME2 Ang had the good fortune of having his Line Office right next to the Indonesians.

"There was a lot of interaction between us, as we tried to learn from each other as much as we can during these few days," he said.

In the light of 30 years of Exercise Elang Indopura, Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean and his Indonesian counterpart Dr Purnomo Yusgiantoro visited the air base on 8 Dec.

Speaking to the media, Mr Teo noted the close defence ties between the two countries' air forces: "We have had very longstanding defence relations with Indonesia. It's been a very good relationship. It's also allowed officers from both countries to know each other very well. And this has contributed to strong bilateral relations, as well as peace and security in the region."

In the same vein, Dr Purnomo said: "I can say that a marriage of 30 years is not easy, but we are together...if we can get 30 years of marriage, we can do it more in the future. Some ideas which we are discussing now are about how we can strengthen and further our defence relations, as well as our country-to-country relations."

Mr Teo added: "I would say that strong bilateral relations between Singapore and Indonesia are part of the very strong relationships among all our ASEAN countries, and with ASEAN playing an important role in the security architecture. I can see this strong bilateral relationship playing a very important part of it as well."

Further reaffirming the close bilateral ties between the two air forces was RSAF Chief of Air Force, Major-General (MG) Ng Chee Meng. "Exercise Elang Indopura, which has grown in scale and complexity since its inauguration in 1980, has enhanced the professionalism and interoperability between the RSAF and the TNI-AU. I am confident that this exercise will remain a cornerstone of our warm and friendly relationship," he said.

Agreeing with his RSAF's counterpart, the Chief of Staff of the TNI-AU, Air Chief Marshal Imam Sufaat said: "Exercise Elang Indopura serves as an important platform to foster mutual understanding and broaden cooperation among past and present exercise participants, thereby strengthening bilateral ties."

During the visit, Mr Teo and Dr Purnomo witnessed the launch of the Exercise Elang Indopura Commemorative Book, toured the air base and participated in a symbolic tree-planting ceremony. Mr Teo also called on Indonesian President Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono before heading to Jakarta where he will call on other Indonesian leaders.

This year's exercise involved more than 350 personnel and 13 aircraft from the two air forces, and was conducted in two phases: a Command Post Exercise held from 20 to 21 Oct 2010 at the Changi Command and Control Centre in Singapore, and an Air Manoeuvre Exercise from 26 Nov to 10 Dec 2010 at Ngurah Rai Air Base.

The RSAF is participating with in the exercise with four F-16 and four F-5 fighter aircraft. They are joined by five F-16 fighter aircraft from the TNI-AU.

As part of the exercise, personnel from both air forces also took part in a one-day joint socio-civic programme where they provided basic health and dental treatment to the local community.

The warm and friendly ties between the Singapore and Indonesian defence establishments are marked by the conduct of regular bilateral exercises and professional exchanges, which have strengthened the mutual understanding and friendship between the two armed forces.