Making Indonesia Canada's strategic partner

In November 2022, Canada launched its Indo-Pacific strategy to support long-term growth, prosperity, and security in the region for Canadians. This paper suggests that Canada should make Indonesia a strategic partner in the region in the current context of the Indo-Pacific strategy. Trade is key, and Indonesia is a rising global player in the region for growth and opportunity due to its size, population, and diversity. To do so, Canada needs to address five strategic areas: invest in and improve bilateral relations; ratify the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA); proceed with a robust follow-up trade mission; provide a unique pathway for Indonesians to immigrate to Canada; and relocate Indo-Pacific strategy coordination efforts to Indonesia.