INDONESIA, Monday 5 May 2014 - His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, General of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) has been conferred as an honorary member of the Republic of Indonesia's Marinir or Marines.

The Marine Corps is one of the major Commando Units of the Navy of the National Armed Forces of the Republic of Indonesia. The conferment ceremony was held during His Royal Highness’ State visit to the Republic of Indonesia.

Upon arrival at the Cakra Kesatrian Marinir Building, in South Jakarta, His Royal Highness was accorded a welcome by a Quarter Guard.  His Royal Highness then walked past the Vallrip and was welcomed by the Nay Chief of Staff, TNI Admiral Marsetio,  and Commandant of the Marine Corps, Major General Faridz Washington.

His Royal Highness then consented to view a video on the Marine Corps organisation. At the Marines Infantry Brigade 2 Field, His Royal Highness consented to attend the Conferment of the Marines Honorary Membership Ceremony. His Royal Highness was then accorded a gun salute by the Marines.

At the ceremony, His Royal Highness was conferred honorary Marine Corps insignias and beret which Major General Faridz Washington had the honour to present to His Royal Highness. Riding a special vehicle, His Royal Highness then consented to inspect a marine’s parade.

His Royal Highness later consented to deliver a sabda of gratitude for the conferment as the Honorary Members of the Marine Corps.

His Royal Highness in the sabda also mentioned that his father, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was also conferred a similar honour in 2003.  Hence, it was a very significant honour for His Royal Highness too. His Royal Highness believed that relation between the Marine Corps of the two countries would continue to be improved in the coming years.

After that, His Royal Highness consented to attend a photo-session, before proceeding to an afternoon tea hosted by the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Before departing from the Marine Corps headquarters, His Royal Highness consented to exchange plaques with the Commandant of the Marine Corps and the Chief of Staff of the Navy.

Departing from the Marines base, His Royal Highness consented to receive a salute from the quarter Guard.  Accompanying His Royal Highness during the tour were the Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, the Brunei Darussalam Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Indonesia, and the Acting Deputy Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces who is also the Commander of the Royal Brunei Land Force.

Earlier that day, His Royal Highness also held a meeting with the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Purnomo Yusgiantoro at the Ministry of Defence. His Royal Highness and His Excellency Purnomo Yusgiantoro exchanged views on excellent defence cooperation between the two countries. After the meeting, His Royal Highness consented to receive a plaque from the His Excellency Minister of Defence. His Royal Highness then consented to present a plaque to His Excellency.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, in a sabda expressed appreciation to His Excellency Minister of Defence, the government and citizens of the Republic of Indonesia for the cordial and warm welcome accorded during the visit of His Royal Highness and entourage to the Republic.