Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) chief General Moeldoko has clarified that the apology he had apparently made during an interview with Channel NewsAsia was to express regret that the name of the frigate would not be changed, not to show remorse for naming it after the two MacDonald House bombers in the first place.
That the army chief had 'apologised' is disturbing to many Indonesians including Members of Parliament, who found it harmed the nation's dignity and insulted the honour of the fallen marines.
In addition to the general himself making the public clarification, the TNI's public affairs head has written to Channel NewsAsia to reitierate his standpoint, even distributing copies to chiefs of staff of the Indonesian Air Force, Army and Navy, as well as the head of TNI intelligence.
Meanwhile, Singapore's defence minister Ng Eng Hen has urged both sides to move on and capitalise on opportunities to mend bilateral relations between the two countries.
While he understands that General Moeldoko's clarification has upset some Singaporeans, Dr. Ng asks to take the apology at face value.
He said that instead of dabbling in Indonesia's politics, which is unproductive to us, we should focus our energies on ourselves in order to move forward.
Photo: Indonesian Navy
Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) chief General Moeldoko has clarified that the apology he had apparently made during an interview with Channel NewsAsia was to express regret that the name of the frigate would not be changed, not to show remorse for naming it after the two MacDonald House bombers in the first place.
That the army chief had 'apologised' is disturbing to many Indonesians including Members of Parliament, who found it harmed the nation's dignity and insulted the honour of the fallen marines.
In addition to the general himself making the public clarification, the TNI's public affairs head has written to Channel NewsAsia to reitierate his standpoint, even distributing copies to chiefs of staff of the Indonesian Air Force, Army and Navy, as well as the head of TNI intelligence.
Meanwhile, Singapore's defence minister Ng Eng Hen has urged both sides to move on and capitalise on opportunities to mend bilateral relations between the two countries.
While he understands that General Moeldoko's clarification has upset some Singaporeans, Dr. Ng asks to take the apology at face value.
He said that instead of dabbling in Indonesia's politics, which is unproductive to us, we should focus our energies on ourselves in order to move forward.
Photo: Indonesian Navy