Brunei's Crown Prince Given Honorary Brevet from Marine Corps

Jakarta (Antara) - Visiting crown prince Al-Muhtadee Billah was awarded an honorary beret and brevet from the Indonesian Marine Corps during a military ceremony here on Monday. The award was presented by Marine Corps commander Major General A Faridz Washington at the Marine Corps headquarters in Cilandak, South Jakarta. The ceremony was also attended by deputy defense minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and navy chief of staff Admiral Marsetio. The award becomes effective on May 6, 2014. Admiral Merest said the Indonesian Marine Corps had given the prince an honorary membership, which has only been selectively given to chiefs of staff, the TNI commander and the President. "The honorary membership award has so far been given to five foreigners - two from the US, one from Korea and two from Brunei, namely Sultan Bolkiah and now the crown prince," he said. An honorary membership is given only upon the agreement of TNI (defense forces) leadership and based upon the relations with the countries of the recipient. In his speech, Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee expressed his honor at receiving the award. "I hope the relations between Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam will further improve in the future," he said. Prince Al-Muhtadee is the 32nd recipient of the award, after TNI commander General Moeldoko received it on November 1, 2013. Brunei's crown prince, Al-Muhtadee Billah, also received an honorary commander brevet from the Indonesian army's Kopassus special forces here on Saturday. The brevet was awarded by general commander of Kopassus, Major General Agus Sutomo, flanked by deputy minister of defense Sjafrie Sjamsoedin, during a military ceremony at the Kopassus headquarters in Cijantung, East Jakarta. In his speech, Maj Gen Sutomo said the cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia had grown strong, as is common among ASEAN member countries and close neighbors. (*) reporting by syaiful hakim