RP Navy chief conferred highest Indonesian military award

The Philippine Star, Saturday, 02 January 2010

By: James Mananghaya

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 Quezon
PS70) 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.