HIS Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, General of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces attended a Conferment Ceremony of Honorary Member of Special Forces Corps (KORPASKHAS), and subsequently a luncheon hosted by the Commander of PASKHAS yesterday, as HRH continued with his five-day official visit to Indonesia.

Later in the afternoon, His Royal Highness visited PT Pindad.

In the morning, His Royal Highness visited Special Forces Corps, KORPASKHAS in Bandung for a Conferment Ceremony of Honorary Member of KORPASKHAS. Upon arrival, His Royal Highness was greeted by Marshall M Harpin Ondeh, the Commander of the KORPASKHAS and Marshal TNI Iputu Dunia, the Chief of Staff of Air Force.

His Royal Highness then received a Salute of Honour from the Post Guard and a Quarter Guard. At the Camp Lobby, His Royal Highness was invited to sign the visitor’s book. At the Rupat Nanggala Yudha Room, His Royal Highness listened to a welcoming address presented by Marshal M Harpin Ondeh.

His Royal Highness in his sabda said that both countries have a very close bilateral relationship including in the area of defence through exchanges of joint military trainings held often. His Royal Highness hoped that this close relation will continue.

His Royal Highness then watched a video presentation on KORPASKHAS.

Later, His Royal Highness received a plaque presented by Marshal M Harpin Ondeh. In return, His Royal Highness presented a plaque to the commander.

His Royal Highness was invited to the Heritage Hall of KORPASKHAS and viewed static displays.

HRH then proceeded to the field to view a performance by Bravo Team. After the performance, His Royal Highness was invited to the dais for the Conferment Ceremony of the Honorary Member of PASKHAS. At the dais, His Royal Highness received a Weapon Salute.

Marshal M Harpin Ondeh presented the Orange Beret to His Royal Highness and graciously attached a badge and fastened a bayonet.

Shortly after receiving the Honorary Member of PASKHAS, His Royal Highness in his sabda expressed his appreciation to Marshal M Harpin Ondeh and the KORPASKHAS on the conferment of the Honorary Member of KORPASKHAS.

This conferment, said His Royal Highness, is an honour to him for in 2008, His Royal Highness’ father, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam also received the same honour.

After the conferment cerem-ony concluded, His Royal Highness was invited to a photo session and then proceeded to a luncheon.

After the luncheon, His Royal Highness was invited to the Kusuma Bangsa Monument for a Wreath-Laying Ceremony accompanied by Marshal M Harpin Ondeh. His Royal Highness gave a Salute of Honour shortly before placing down the flowers.

The establishment of the monument is a national contribution by the Indonesian National Army (TNI) to the warriors who have given their lives for their country.

Before departing the Commando Camp of KORPASKHAS, His Royal Highness received an honour from a Quarter Guard and a Salute of Honour from the Post Guard of the Camp.

Accompanying His Royal Highness were Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Deputy Minister of Defence, Republic of Indonesia; Dato Paduka Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; Brigadier General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Haji Mahmud bin Haji Saidin, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the Republic of Indonesia; and Brigadier General Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Yussof bin Haji Abd Rahman, Deputy Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and Commander Royal Brunei Land Force.

In the afternoon, His Royal Highness visited PT Pindad. Upon arrival at the House 100, PT Pindad, His Royal Highness was greeted by Bapak Tri Hardjono, President Director of PT Pindad, Deputy President Director as well as senior officers of PT Pindad.

Tri Hardjono, the President Director of PT Pindad delivered his welcoming remarks and shortly afterwards His Royal Highness watched a video presentation on PT Pindad.

Later, His Royal Highness was invited to view military vehicles manufactured by PT Pindad and subsequently observed the march past of the vehicles. His Royal Highness was invited to try the Intai 4×4 and drove towards a shooting range.

There, His Royal Highness viewed a weaponry exhibition and was later invited to try an Assault Rifle SS2-V5.

At the end of the visit, His Royal Highness received a ‘pesambah’ presented by Tri Hardjono, the President Director of PT Pindad. In return, His Royal Highness presented a souvenir to Tri Hardjono.

PT Pindad is a manufacturer of military products that has around 3,000 personnel. It has a long history since it was first established in 1808 as a military equipment workshop of the Dutch Navy. From a military workshop, it has developed and become a prime military vehicles’ manufacturer capable of providing prime equipment to support defence coordination, peace and stability of Indonesia under the authority of the Minister of State Owned Enterprises.

Accompanying His Royal Highness were Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin; Dato Paduka Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong; Brigadier General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Haji Mahmud bin Haji Saidin; and Brigadier General Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Yussof bin Haji Abd Rahman. - Borneo Bulletin (7 May 2014)