Media Release
20 November 2012
Australia’s ties with Indonesia have been further strengthened with the Australian Chief of Navy receiving one of Indonesia’s highest military honours.
Vice Admiral Ray Griggs travelled to Jakarta for the ceremony where he was presented with the Indonesian Navy Meritorious Service Star. The award honours the Royal Australian Navy’s increasing ties with the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL).
The presentation was witnessed by Australia’s Chief of Defence General David Hurley who was honoured with the Indonesian Defence Meritorious Service Star during a separate ceremony.
This is the first time this award has been given to an Australian naval chief. Vice Admiral Griggs said it was a great honour to receive the award as it recognised the close relationship the RAN enjoys with the TNI-AL.
“Our relationship with the Indonesian Navy is based on practical cooperation in a wide range of maritime security activities,” Vice Admiral Griggs said.
“By regularly working together and sharing ideas, our Navies develop a better understanding of how we can better protect our shared maritime interests.”
The Australian Navy has exercised with Indonesia several times this year including Exercise CASSOWARY, which featured a number of practical activities including simulated coordinated patrols, boarding party procedures, and search and rescue exercises.
The RAN and TNI-AL also conducted the third annual Ausindo Coordinated Maritime Patrol (AusIndo Corpat) which targeted illegal fishing, and participated together in the multilateral Exercise KAKADU, all off the Northern Territory coast.
The engagements have allowed each Navy to further enhance their ability to operate together.
Vice Admiral Griggs said Australia was committed to further expanding defence and security cooperation with Indonesia.
“The men and women of the Australian Navy have the utmost respect for our Indonesian counterparts. This award recognises their work,” he said.
