Media Release
21 October 2026
Indonesian senior Navy leader and Chief of Navy Staff (Kasal), Admiral TNI Muhammad Ali has been presented with a significant Australian honour at a ceremony at the Australian Embassy, Jakarta.
The Indonesian Chief of Navy Staff has been appointed an honorary officer of the Order of Australia (Military Division) for his important contribution to strengthening the Indonesia – Australia bilateral defence relationship.
Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Rod Brazier said the award recognises Admiral TNI Muhammad Ali’s leading role in strengthening our bilateral Navy program as Chief of the Navy Staff.
“The citation singles out Admiral TNI Muhammad Ali’s outstanding leadership, vision, and dedication that has enhanced our capacity to operate effectively together. The participation of Indonesian Navy personnel in large scale exercises such as Exercise Keris Woomera and others, are examples that have provided further opportunities for deeper levels of engagement into the future,” said Ambassador Brazier.
In the Australian honours system appointments to the Order of Australia confer the highest recognition for outstanding achievement and service. There are two divisions of the Order of Australia: the Civil Division and the Military Division.
"I am deeply honoured to accept my appointment as an honorary member of the Order of Australia in the Military Division. This honour has particular meaning for me personally because it recognises work undertaken together. I receive it with humility, conscious that this achievement acknowledged today belongs to the officers, sailors and civilian colleagues of both our Navies,” said Admiral TNI Muhammad Ali.
Admiral DML TNI Muhammad Ali proactively sought to prioritise engagement with Royal Australian Navy senior leaders early in his tenure. His focus on capability development has seen increased bilateral training placements as well as the integration of new capabilities into combined training. His efforts have continued to build trust and professional connections between the two Navies.
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