Indonesia, Canada Explore Critical Minerals, Nuclear Energy Cooperation - Tempo.co English

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia and Canada discussed potential investment in critical minerals, potash, oil and gas, and nuclear energy during a meeting between Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Toronto.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the first Canada Investment Summit and followed a conversation between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Carney in June.

One topic was potential Canadian investment in potash to help meet Indonesia's fertilizer needs. The two sides also discussed opportunities for cooperation in the oil and gas sector.

They also discussed follow-up cooperation on critical minerals under the Indonesia-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (ICA-CEPA).

"Indonesia and Canada have shared interests in building secure and sustainable critical mineral supply chains," Airlangga said, noting that both countries are critical mineral producers.

In the energy sector, the two sides discussed potential cooperation in nuclear energy, including the development of a small modular reactor (SMR) ecosystem. Airlangga said such cooperation could form part of Indonesia's long-term energy security strategy.

The meeting also covered the implementation of the ICA-CEPA. Airlangga welcomed the completion of the ratification process in both countries and expressed hope that the agreement would take effect by the end of the year.

Once implemented, the agreement is expected to provide a framework for businesses from both countries to expand cooperation, particularly in food security, energy, and critical minerals.

The discussions also covered Indonesia's role as Southeast Asia's largest economy and its potential contribution to deeper Canadian engagement in the Indo-Pacific.

The meeting came ahead of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Canada in 2027.