Indonesian top brass not attending Airshow

[SINGAPORE] Amid a diplomatic row between the two countries, Singapore has reportedly rescinded its invitation to an Indonesian delegation that was supposed to attend this week's Singapore Airshow.

Singapore's Ministry of Defence did not confirm the rescindment yesterday, but said it has been informed that Indonesia's deputy defence minister, commander of the Indonesian Armed Forces, chief of staff of the Indonesian Army, and chief of staff of the Indonesian Air Force are not attending.

Indonesian media reported that Singapore cancelled the invitation. However, Indonesia's Jupiter Aerobatic team, due to perform at the air show, said on its Twitter and Facebook pages that they are still attending.

The diplomatic row began after Indonesia decided to name a new navy ship after the two Indonesian marines who bombed Orchard Road's MacDonald House in 1965, killing three and injuring 33. The two marines, Osman Mohamed Ali and Harun Said, were tried and hanged in Singapore for murder. But they were considered heroes in Indonesia for doing their duty as soldiers. The two were part of then-president Sukarno's armed campaign against the formation of Malaysia, which Singapore was part of then.

Singapore ministers have objected to the move to name the naval frigate KRI Usman Harun, saying the act was insensitive and would reopen old wounds. But Indonesian leaders have said they have the right to name their vessel after their national heroes.