The 37th edition of the annual bilateral exercise between the Singapore Army and the Indonesian Army concluded in Singapore, enhancing military collaboration and interoperability.
The 37th edition of Exercise Safkar Indopura (XSI), an annual bilateral exercise between the Singapore Army and the Indonesian Army (TNI-AD), was conducted in Singapore from 8 to 15 October 2025. The closing ceremony took place at SAFTI City, co-officiated by Commander 3rd Singapore Division Colonel Chong Shi Hao and Commander, Army Strategic Reserve Command (PANGKOSTRAD) Lieutenant General Mohammad Fadjar of the TNI-AD.
Approximately 450 personnel from the Singapore Army, including units from the Headquarters 3rd Singapore Infantry Brigade, 2nd Battalion Singapore Infantry Regiment, HQ Signals, 48th Singapore Armoured Regiment, and 38th Battalion Singapore Combat Engineers, participated alongside over 100 personnel from the TNI-AD’s 6th Mechanised Infantry Raider Brigade and 411th Mechanised Infantry Raider Battalion.
The exercise offered a platform for both armies to enhance professional exchanges and interoperability. Activities included urban operations planning, cross-training, and combined arms missions featuring Leopard 2 Armoured Engineer Vehicles, Terrex Infantry Fighting Vehicles, and tactical surveillance drones. This year also incorporated cyber defence scenarios, with a battalion-level field training exercise conducted for the first time at SAFTI City.
Colonel Chong highlighted the evolution of XSI, noting that the exercise had progressed from map-planning exercises to complex battalion-level operations incorporating combined arms and digital planning. He emphasised that XSI remained a key platform to strengthen mutual cooperation, trust, and shared understanding between the two armies.
Image by: Ministry of Defence, Singapore
Lieutenant General Fadjar added that the exercise contributed significantly to regional security and stability, fostering professionalism and deepening cooperation. He described joint exercises as essential in building trust, communication, and mutual respect, forming enduring bonds between the Singapore Army and the TNI-AD.
Since its inauguration in 1989, XSI has reinforced the close defence ties between Singapore and Indonesia through exercises, professional exchanges, official visits, and courses, cultivating strong bilateral relations and interpersonal connections.
Source: Ministry of Defence, Singapore
