By: Astrid Widia – International Relations Analyst
The 19th Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC), held in Jakarta, stands as concrete evidence of Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening the role of parliament on the global stage. This forum is not merely symbolic but a vital platform for enhancing governance and solidarity among member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
From the opening on May 12, 2025, at the Indonesian Parliamentary Complex, the conference carried a strong strategic tone. Indonesia, through its House of Representatives (DPR RI), demonstrated mature and inclusive leadership by promoting the theme “Good Governance and Strong Institutions as Pillars of Resilience.” This theme reflects a deep understanding of the global challenges currently faced by Muslim nations.
The Standing Committee meeting, attended by representatives from 37 member states, served as a space for consolidating ideas and shared values. The forum addressed fundamental issues such as institutional transparency and accountability—critical matters currently drawing global attention. This underscores that the PUIC is no longer a forum of mere rhetoric, but one evolving into a platform for concrete, solution-oriented cooperation.
Chair of the DPR RI Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKSAP), Mardani Ali Sera, stated that the meeting marks Indonesia’s role as a hub for Islamic world parliamentary diplomacy. His remarks reflect Indonesia’s position, not only as host but also as a driving force in uniting ideas for the advancement of global Islamic civilization. He emphasized that this forum must produce strategic foundations to build collective resilience through strong parliamentary institutions.
A major highlight of the first day was the humanitarian crisis in Palestine. Indonesia called on all OIC parliaments to take tangible actions through parliamentary diplomacy—not merely issuing political statements, but also supporting international legal proceedings to hold perpetrators of war crimes accountable.
This commitment aligns with the vision of DPR RI Speaker Puan Maharani, who stressed that PUIC must be a platform for seeking real solutions to global crises, particularly in support of the Palestinian struggle. This demonstrates Indonesia’s consistent stance in voicing global justice and the rights of oppressed nations to independence.
In addition to the Palestine issue, the conference also gave significant attention to gender equality across member countries. The DPR RI’s effort to bring women’s participation to the forefront of this international forum deserves recognition. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is further evidence that Indonesia promotes inclusive humanitarian values in its diplomacy.
Strengthening bilateral cooperation was another key achievement on the first day. A meeting between DPR RI Secretary General Indra Iskandar and Secretary General of the Bahraini Parliament, Mohamed Ibrahim Al Sisi Al Buainain, reflected the positive dynamics evolving behind the main event. Bahrain expressed its strong commitment to strategic collaboration with Indonesia, including the exchange of policy studies and institutional capacity building.
Concrete actions such as the establishment of the Indonesia–Bahrain Bilateral Cooperation Group prove that the conference is yielding direct impacts. Amid the surge of global challenges, building productive parliamentary networks is one way to maintain stability and expand Indonesia’s positive influence within the OIC.
The presence of over 500 participants from PUIC member states illustrates a strong enthusiasm and expectation for the collective role of Islamic parliaments in addressing contemporary challenges. The trust placed in Indonesia as host underscores its strategic position in the Islamic world. According to international relations expert Anton Aliabbas, the conference is not just ceremonial but a strategic opportunity for Indonesia to assert its leadership in building global solidarity.
He noted that the success of the conference depends on each member’s ability to unite their visions and consolidate collective spirit. Indonesia’s goal for the PUIC to produce concrete steps toward Palestinian independence and global crisis resolution is within reach if this solidarity is continuously fostered.
The first day of the conference successfully demonstrated that parliamentary diplomacy is no longer a mere complement—it is a central instrument in inter-state relations. The DPR RI used this forum not only to show national commitment but also to influence global policy directions through values-based, collaborative, and morally courageous approaches.
The success of the PUIC Conference’s opening day should be a source of national pride—not just for hosting, but for Indonesia’s ability to showcase substantial leadership grounded in universal values: justice, equality, and peace.
As a major nation and the most populous Muslim country in the world, Indonesia holds a moral responsibility to lead the Islamic world’s agenda. Forums like PUIC are crucial platforms for Indonesia to expand its long-standing values-based diplomacy.
Let us support the success of the 2025 PUIC Conference as a tangible expression of the Indonesian people’s commitment to an active parliamentary role in strengthening Islamic world solidarity and building a just and peaceful global order.