Vancouver. Indonesia and Canada strengthened their policy and academic ties this week as the Foreign Policy Strategy Agency of Indonesia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry signed a circular Memorandum of Understanding with the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APFC).

The signing was witnessed during a working visit by Indonesia’s Ambassador to Canada and Permanent Representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization, Muhsin Syihab, and Vancouver Consul General Nina Kurnia Widhi on Tuesday.

Ambassador Muhsin and Consul General Nina met with APFC President and CEO Jeff Nankivell and Director of Programs Erin Williams to discuss broader avenues for joint work. The two sides explored ways to expand scholar-to-scholar cooperation, academic partnerships, and people-to-people contact to advance Indonesia–Canada collaboration in the Indo-Pacific.

Ambassador Muhsin said both countries are operating at a “strategic momentum” and encouraged APFC and Indonesia’s Foreign Policy Strategy Agency to move beyond the MoU framework toward concrete programs that deliver public and business benefits. He also urged both institutions to improve public understanding of the value of Indonesia–Canada cooperation through regular publications, including media articles, and called for APFC to deepen links with Indonesian universities and potential third-party partners.

Responding to concerns over Canada’s long-term commitment to its Indo-Pacific strategy, Muhsin emphasized the need for sustained action. Nankivell acknowledged the skepticism but reaffirmed APFC’s commitment. He highlighted the Canadian government’s allocation of CAD 24 million ($17.08 million) over five years to strengthen engagement with Asia, including APFC’s new Singapore office led by a regional director and the annual Canada–Asia Conference each February. The 2026 conference is scheduled for February 10–11 and will focus on agriculture, infrastructure, and marine technology.

APFC is also expanding its collaborative network through an MoU with the National University of Singapore and by mobilizing Canada’s U15 university network to engage alumni across Asia. Partnerships with regional think tanks, including FPCI and CSIS Indonesia, are in progress. APFC will also host a series of pre-conference events in Jakarta on December 10, followed by sessions in Manila and Ho Chi Minh City.

During the meeting, Nankivell outlined Canada’s support programs for MSMEs exporting to Canada through the Trade Facilitation Office Canada. Williams presented the “Asia Competence” initiative, which aims to strengthen Canadians’ literacy and awareness of Asian dynamics and partnership opportunities.

Consul General Nina reaffirmed the readiness of the Vancouver Consulate and the Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa to facilitate deeper cooperation. She also invited APFC to expand its research, publications, and academic engagement in Indonesia.

The MoU builds on the Joint Statement issued by President Prabowo Subianto and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during Prabowo’s visit to Ottawa two months ago on September 24. The partnership is expected to act as a catalyst for new joint initiatives as both countries mark 73 years of diplomatic relations, first established in 1952.

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