Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia Peter MacArthur earlier this week launched Canada’s 150th anniversary celebrations during a colorful event at his residence in Jakarta.

The event, held on May 23, was attended by government officials, social media influencers and the media. It highlighted Canada’s contributions in Indonesia and the four themes of Canada’s 150th anniversary celebrations: diversity and inclusiveness, environment, youth and reconciliation with indigenous peoples.

“The 150th anniversary of [the establishment of the Canadian] Confederation is a major national milestone and an opportunity for Canadians to celebrate great accomplishments that highlight our country’s proud past and bright future, and our diversity,” said Ambassador MacArthur.

“It is also an opportunity for Canada to reflect on our relationship with the world — including our longstanding partnership with Indonesia.”

The embassy marked this important anniversary by announcing a number of special events throughout 2017 it would be holding, including its marquee Canada Day celebration, which will take place in July in Jakarta. The embassy said it will publicize other events soon.

It also used the occasion to celebrate Canada’s relationship with Indonesia. MacArthur highlighted the common values of “unity in diversity”, beliefs in democratic development and a desire to build open and prosperous societies that link the two countries.

The relationship between the two countries dates back prior to diplomatic relations being officially established in October 1952, which also makes 2017 the 65th anniversary of formal relations between the two countries.

Canada’s then ambassador to the United Nations, Andrew McNaughton, played a key role in the adoption of a resolution that led to international recognition of Indonesia’s independence. Since then, bilateral relations have grown rapidly in the ensuing 65 years.

Indonesia is a G20 partner and priority market for Canada. Bilateral trade flows have increased by 30 percent since 2010. Two-way trade was valued at Rp 29 trillion in 2016. Canadian companies today are active in Indonesia and Canadian investment valued at Rp 39.2 trillion has created thousands of jobs for Indonesians.

Key Canadian exports include wheat (used for Indonesian noodles), fertilizers (for palm oil plantations), wood pulp, aircraft and machinery. Indonesian products imported by Canada are also growing. Canadians are increasingly drinking Indonesian coffee, buying Indonesian-made clothes, shoes and wood furniture.

“There is great potential for deepening trade and investment ties between Canada and Indonesia, with many opportunities in sectors of mutual interest: renewable energy, educational [and] vocational training, infrastructure, aerospace and services,” MacArthur said. “Canada also supports Indonesia in its agenda to deepen its democratic roots and in its official policy of Pancasila.”

The embassy also kicked off national-level activities, namely, Canada’s ongoing National Support for Local Investment Climates (NSLIC) project, which supports the government of Indonesia’s efforts to reduce poverty by creating sustainable economic growth and inclusive and accountable governance.

This Rp 176.4 billion project began in December 2015 and aims to be a six-year project that supports the government in implementing its local and regional economic development strategies to reduce business development constraints, thus creating a more investment-friendly business environment for economic growth.

Expected results include improved business regulations, simplified business licensing processes and strengthened business development service providers to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and cooperatives.

Working in collaboration with the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas), Office of the Coordinating Human Development and Cultural Affairs Minister, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) and provincial and district authorities in Sulawesi, the NSLIC project aims to help strengthen economic development at the national and regional levels in 10 districts of the provinces of Southeast Sulawesi and Gorontalo.

“The NSLIC project is a demonstration of Canada’s sustained commitment to support Indonesia in achieving its development goals and economic priorities,” MacArthur said. “NSLIC is expected to strengthen the enabling environment for MSMEs and cooperatives, which will contribute to improvements in Indonesia’s ranking in the Ease of Doing Business index.”

In addition, the embassy also used the anniversary to invite more Indonesian students to study in Canada. Last year there were over 350,000 international students in Canada. Students are attracted to the country’s high-quality education system, its reputation as a tolerant and safe country and its programs that allow students to work while in Canada and immigrate permanently after graduation.

“In Indonesia, more and more students are choosing Canada. Last year there was a 30 percent increase in study permit applications and there are now nearly 1,500 Indonesian students in Canada,” MacArthur said.

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