Canada seeks maritime domain awareness cooperation with Indonesia
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Canada’s Senior Military Representative for the Indo-Pacific, Lieutenant General Derek Macaulay, has stated that Indonesia and Canada possess significant opportunities for cooperation in the field of maritime domain awareness.
During a meeting with the media in Jakarta on Wednesday, Macaulay noted that both nations possess numerous small and medium-sized enterprises operating within the maritime domain awareness sector, while Indonesia manages exceptionally vast waters. He assessed that these conditions present opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.
“There are many aspects we are closely monitoring regarding maritime situational awareness. We have many excellent small and medium enterprises operating in maritime domain awareness… Indonesia has very vast waters,” said Macaulay.
He assessed that maritime situational awareness extends beyond a nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and noted that both Indonesia and Canada share an interest in detecting threats approaching their respective waters.
Macaulay also compared the geographical positions of both nations; Canada borders the Atlantic, Arctic, and Pacific Oceans, while Indonesia borders the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the South China Sea. The Lieutenant General noted that, despite different names, Indonesia and Canada face similar challenges and can engage in mutual learning.
“It is not about specific regional names, but rather the fact that these areas present shared challenges that allow us to learn from one another,” said Macaulay.
He also highlighted the importance of Indonesia’s strategic position regarding the Strait of Malacca, revealing that approximately 10 per cent of Canadian trade passes through the strait, making its security a vital concern for Canada.
Furthermore, during his visit to Jakarta, Macaulay mentioned he was accompanied by representatives from the Canadian Coast Guard, noting that Indonesia and Canada will explore possibilities for sharing information regarding maritime awareness in the future.
Macaulay stated that Canada has undergone organisational changes by integrating the Canadian Coast Guard into the Department of National Defence as a special operations unit, thereby strengthening the synergy between the Canadian Armed Forces and the nation’s defence agencies.
The Senior Military Representative for the Indo-Pacific (SMR-IP) is a Canadian initiative established to advance the 2022 Indo-Pacific Strategy, a position currently held by Lieutenant General Derek Macaulay.
The primary task of the senior military representative is to strengthen relations, align interests, and support Canada’s partners in the Indo-Pacific, including Indonesia.
Macaulay emphasised that his role is advisory, built on credibility through consistency and presence, and serves to bridge the needs of partners, including potential cooperation in the defence industry and maritime awareness with Indonesia.