Re: New citizens and prs can get into vocations that local malays can't?
Two Indonesian NSFs pulled out of joint exercise
PUBLISHED ON NOV 13, 2014 6:13 AM
PRINT
EMAIL
Men from the Singapore and the Indonesia National Army (TNI-AD) conduct an annual bilateral army exercise, code-named Safkar Indopura, in Singapore on Nov, 29, 2007. Indonesia is investigating two of its citizens for being part of this years' joint military exercise. -- PHOTO: ST FILE
BY WAHYUDI SOERIAATMADJA INDONESIA CORRESPONDENT IN JAKARTA
Indonesia is investigating two of its citizens for being part of a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) contingent in a joint military exercise earlier this month in Magelang, Central Java.
The Indonesians are Singapore permanent residents (PRs) who are full-time national servicemen (NSFs). They went to Central Java for the joint exercise.
When the Indonesian military found out their nationality, the pair were asked to remain at their military dormitory. They were not allowed to participate in the exercise, said Major-General Fuad Basya, the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) spokesman.
Singapore's Ministry of Defence said in response to queries: "The two NSFs, who are Singapore PRs, were part of the unit participating in an annual bilateral exercise between the SAF and the TNI to enhance military ties.
"However, they were withdrawn from the exercise and brought back to Singapore. They did not participate in the bilateral exercise."
Under Indonesian law, it is an offence for citizens to serve a foreign military, and those who do so risk being stripped of their citizenship. But the law will take into account those Indonesians who study in countries that adopt mandatory national service.
Indonesia has in the past asked Singapore to exempt its citizens who are PRs from performing national service.
But in Singapore, male PRs are liable to be called up for national service.
http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/more-singapore-stories/story/two-indonesian-nsfs-pulled-out-joint-exercise-20141113