Jakarta. A recent roundtable policy dialogue highlighted the importance of cooperation between middle powers like Indonesia and Canada.

The Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa recently partnered with the Foreign Ministry's Foreign Policy Strategy Agency (BSKLN) to hold the said policy dialogue. The discussions focused on two topics: "Current Global and Regional Dynamics" and "Potential Cooperation and Collaboration".

Indonesian Ambassador to Canada Muhsin Syihab was the moderator.

Participants included BSKLN chief Muhammad Takdir; the agency's head for Americas and Europe policy strategy, Spica Alphanya Tutuhatunewa; Indonesian Embassy to Ottawa Deputy Chief of Mission, Hartati Ferdinandus; Indonesian Consul General in Vancouver, Nina Kurnia Widhi; and the embassy and consulate general staff.

From the Canadian side, the dialogue was attended by several prominent think tank figures and academics: Vina Nadjibulla of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada/APFC, Christopher Coates of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute (MLI), Matthew Millar of the Journal of Geoeconomics, Gregory Goldhawk of the Canadian International Council, and Elliot Tepper, the distinguished senior fellow of the Norman Patterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University.

The discussion highlighted how Indonesia and Canada can capitalize on the changing global geopolitical and geoeconomic landscape to build a more concrete, mutually beneficial, and long-term partnership.

Ambassador Muhsin emphasized the importance of ramping up efforts to cement further Indonesia's place in the minds of the Canadian public. He stated that there is still ample room to strengthen bilateral relations, especially amidst ongoing shifts in global foreign policy orientation.

"This is the right time to take Indonesia-Canada relations to a more advanced, concrete, and strategic level. We need to accelerate efforts to make Indonesia increasingly present in the Canadian public conversation, not only as an important country in Southeast Asia, but as a relevant partner for Canada's future in the Indo-Pacific," he said.

BSKLN chief Muhammad Takdir said the strong bridge-building "DNA" within Indonesian foreign policy, which prioritizes global prosperity as a national goal, not just national interests. This principle has been articulated since Indonesia's inception through its commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation, stability, and an inclusive international order.

"Indonesia believes that the role of middle powers needs to be further strengthened, not to compete with big powers, but rather to complement and balance international relations, making them more inclusive, stable, and solution-oriented. In that context, Canada has the potential and an important position as a partner for Indonesia," he said.

Amidst global dynamics increasingly influenced by major power rivalries, the role of middle powers like Indonesia and Canada is becoming increasingly important. Both countries have strategic space to act as bridge builders, expand dialogue, build flexible coalitions, and encourage inclusive and solution-oriented cooperation. With their diplomatic capacity, international credibility, and commitment to a stable, rules-based world order, Indonesia and Canada both have the potential to bridge divergent interests and make tangible contributions to addressing global challenges.

Takdir emphasized that the values ​​developing in Canada strongly align with Indonesia's foreign policy orientation, including a commitment to mutually beneficial cooperation, respect for the principles of a just world order, and a solution-seeking approach. According to him, Indonesia is an increasingly strategic alternative partner for Canada, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

Vina Nadjibulla, a Canadian think tank representative, believes there is a vast window of opportunity to strengthen Indonesia-Canada cooperation, not only due to rapidly changing global dynamics but also due to internal Canadian factors that encourage openness to new, more diverse, and strategic partners.

"Canada is currently reorienting its foreign policy amidst various global disruptions. Therefore, relations with Indonesia have a significant opportunity to improve, especially if both countries can build more institutionalized mechanisms and encourage concrete follow-up," she emphasized.

In the recommendations session, participants urged the acceleration of the ratification of the Indonesia-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (ICA-CEPA) and a series of coordinated rollout activities in both countries.  A visit by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to Indonesia would also have a strategic impact in creating momentum for the deal's implementation. This would send a strong signal to the business community to play an active role in realizing the ICA-CEPA as an agreement that brings tangible benefits.

The forum also highlighted other cooperation opportunities ranging from critical minerals and maritime, defense, and geothermal energy to space technology and joint talent development through inter-university partnerships.

Prof. Elliot Tepper emphasized that a consistent and sustainable presence is an irreplaceable foundation for successful bilateral diplomacy.  Gregory Goldhawk emphasized the significance of cultural promotion programs in introducing and engaging the Canadian public with Indonesia.

Participants also highlighted the importance of more active outreach to Canada's provinces, given that some local governments can be more agile and progressive in building external partnerships than the federal government.