An inspiring evening that created a warm atmosphere while strengthening the close ties between the two nations

The spirit of Canada’s winter season arrived in Jakarta as the Embassy of Canada hosted a special Canada Day Reception on Wednesday evening, 18 June 2025. The event took place at the Hotel Kempinski ballroom, carrying the theme Winter Fest, which brought the charm of Canadian winter festivals to the heart of the tropical capital. The celebration welcomed hundreds of guests from the diplomatic community, government officials, business circles, and the public, creating a moment of togetherness between Canada and Indonesia.

The Canada Day 2025 reception was attended by several prominent Indonesian officials, including Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs Pratikno as the guest of honour, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, Minister of National Development Planning Rachmat Pambudy, Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri, Vice Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti, and Vice Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers Christina Aryani.

In his speech, Canada’s Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, Jess Dutton, shared that the Winter Fest theme was chosen to reflect an important part of Canadian identity. He explained how winter has always been deeply rooted in Canadian culture, from playing ice hockey on outdoor rinks and celebrating lively snow festivals to enjoying iconic winter comfort foods such as poutine.

More than just a celebration, the event also marked the strengthening of bilateral relations between Canada and Indonesia. Ambassador Dutton highlighted the significant progress made, especially with the conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2024. The agreement opened new opportunities for trade, investment, and strategic collaboration between the two nations.

Canada also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Indonesia’s key development priorities, particularly in food security, clean energy, and the growth of strategic industries. One of the concrete forms of this support has been Canada’s contribution to the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), which aims to help Indonesia accelerate its transition toward a greener, more sustainable energy future.

Through this Canada Day celebration, Canada extended its invitation to all partners and friends in Indonesia to continue strengthening collaboration and friendship, grounded in the shared vision of sustainable growth and mutually beneficial cooperation between both countries.