RP Navy chief conferred highest Indonesian military award

MANILA, Philippines - The Indonesian government conferred the highest military award on Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Ferdinand Golez in recognition of his effort to strengthen mutual relations and security cooperation between the two countries.

Golez was awarded the Bintang Jalasena Utama (Indonesian Navy Star, 1st Class) by Gen. Djoko Santoso, commander in chief of the Indonesian National Defense Forces, in a ceremony held in Jakarta.

The Bintang Jalasena Utama is conferred by the Indonesian government on members of the Indonesian Navy, civilians, and foreign nationals for their ability, dedication, prudence, merit, braveness, and perseverance.

It is covered by a presidential decree based on the recommendation of the Commandant of the Indonesian Navy through the Ministry of Defense, and given to an awardee along with a charter.

The award is Golez’s first from a foreign military establishment in his 37 years in the naval service.

Golez has successfully commanded three ships of the Philippine Navy and is a recipient of various awards and commendations.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyuno cited Golez for his “invaluable services rendered in the improvement and strengthening of a good joint cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Indonesia in general, and National Military Navy of both countries in particular.”

When Golez was commander of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao from 2006-2007, he was also the vice chairman and head of delegation of the RP Panel to the Philippines-Indonesia Border Committee Conference on two occasions.

As commanding officer of BRP Miguel Malvar (PS 19), Golez contributed to the successful conduct of the Philippine Navy-ASEAN Training Cruise in 1994 that visited four countries, including Indonesia.

“The Philippines and Indonesia who both share a common vision of peace and security in the ASEAN region annually participate in naval exercises. In August this year, the Philippine Navy’s BRP Que-zon (PS 70) participated in the Indonesian Fleet Review in Manado as part of the 64th Independence Day celebration of Indonesia,” Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo said.

Previous recipients of the Bintang Jalasena Utama include Admiral Elmo Russell Zumwalt Jr., the youngest to serve as chief of naval operations of the US Navy, and Admiral Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Abu Bakar bin Abdul Jamal, the chief and the first four-star admiral of the Royal Malaysian Navy.