Canada–Indonesia relations, past and present
| Date | 01 September 2019 |
| Author | David Webster |
| Published date | 01 September 2019 |
| DOI | 10.1177/0020702019875836 |
| Subject Matter | Policy Brief |
Policy Brief
Canada–Indonesia
relations, past and
present
David Webster
Department of History, Bishop’s University, Sherbrooke, Quebec,
Canada
Abstract
Canada–Indonesia relations recently passed their 65th anniversary, but they still have a
tentative air about them. Despite regular talk about developing a strong Canadian
relationship with a country that potentially has much in common with Canada,
Canada–Indonesia relations have mostly been friendly but shallow. An overview of
the history of bilateral relations, from the opening of a Canadian mission in 1953 to
recent bilateral deals committing Ottawa and Jakarta to various forms of collaboration,
reveals that rhetoric about common interests has some substance, but a new announce-
ment amidst good intentions every few years is not likely to lead to any deep partner-
ship. There are, however, foundations for closer ties in civil society, including in the
fields of economic development, truth and reconciliation, religious deradicalization, and
Indigenous peoples linkages.
Keywords
Canada–Indonesia relations, Indonesia, other diplomacies, Islam, Indigenous peoples,
civil society, truth and reconciliation
Introduction
As Canada casts about for trade diversification and looks for partners across the
Pacific, the stable, open democracy of Indonesia may be one place that beckons.
Liberal and Conservative governments alike have looked to Indonesia in the past
as a possible partner, yet after more than 65 years of bilateral relations, Canada–
Indonesia ties still have a tentative air about them. Over and over again, the
Canadian government pledges to develop a strong relationship with a country
International Journal
2019, Vol. 74(3) 472–479
!The Author(s) 2019
Article reuse guidelines:
sagepub.com/journals-permissions
DOI: 10.1177/0020702019875836
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Corresponding author:
David Webster, Department of History, Bishop’s University, 2600 Rue College, Sherbrooke, Quebec,
J1M 1Z7, Canada.
Email: dwebster@ubishops.ca
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