On August 25, 2025, in Ottawa, a new chapter in Canada’s global security engagement unfolded. General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff, signed a Military Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI), Indonesia’s National Armed Forces.
This agreement is more than a formal signature—it represents a tangible step in Canada’s growing commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, a region central to global trade, stability, and security.
“Formalizing our military cooperation with a key Indo-Pacific partner like Indonesia is vital to strengthening Canada’s ability to promote peace and stability in the region. By enhancing our interoperability with the Tentara Nasional Indonesia, we ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces remain ready to uphold international law and defend Canadian sovereignty,” stated General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff.
A Strategic Partnership in Motion
The MoU strengthens the partnership between the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Indonesia’s TNI, broadening cooperation in maritime security, joint training, multilateral exercises, and capacity building. These initiatives align seamlessly with Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, which emphasizes working alongside regional allies and ASEAN partners to promote peace and resilience.
“Canada is honoured to advance our longstanding partnership with Indonesia through our new military cooperation Memorandum of Understanding. This milestone underscores our shared commitment to maritime security, regional stability, and capacity building. Guided by Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, we will continue working closely with Indonesia and ASEAN partners to strengthen peace, security, and resilience across the region,” expressed H.E. Jess Dutton, Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia,
The collaboration is already visible. This year, the CAF is sending its largest-ever contingent to Exercise SUPER GARUDA SHIELD 2025, a multinational training operation hosted by Indonesia. Many of these Canadian troops are deployed through Operation HORIZON, which represents Canada’s ongoing presence in the region.
Building on a History of Cooperation
While the agreement marks a new milestone, Canada and Indonesia have a history of military collaboration. Since 2008, over 700 Indonesian service members have participated in Canada’s Military Training and Cooperation Program, a testament to shared priorities in professional military education and capacity building.
For Canada, Indonesia is not just a bilateral partner but also a leading voice within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)—a bloc whose collective influence is increasingly critical in maintaining Indo-Pacific stability.
Canada’s Indo-Pacific Commitment
The MoU underscores Canada’s broader recognition of the Indo-Pacific as a strategic priority. With the world’s longest coastline, Canada’s interests are deeply tied to maritime security and open sea lanes. As a Pacific nation, Ottawa is reaffirming its role as a predictable, reliable, and active partner in the region.
This agreement with Indonesia signals not just a bilateral milestone but also a regional commitment—to contribute meaningfully to shared security, uphold international norms, and ensure stability in one of the most strategically contested parts of the globe.
Canada’s message is clear: its Indo-Pacific presence is not symbolic, but enduring.
