Jakarta — The Second Session of the Indonesia-Pacific Parliamentary Partnership (IPPP) officially opened in Jakarta on Thursday, July 25 2024. The event, which was attended by members of parliament from various countries in the Pacific region, carried the main theme “Partnership for Prosperity: Fostering Regional Connectivity and Inclusive Development” brings the main focus to climate change, the blue economy and the inclusiveness of environmental and human development.
The President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), in his opening speech emphasized the importance of international cooperation in facing increasingly complex global challenges.
“I really appreciate and appreciate the increasingly close partnerships and strategic initiatives. “This is very important considering the big challenges we face, such as economic uncertainty and geopolitical instability,” said President Jokowi.
The President is also optimistic that the partnership in the IPPP will make it possible to utilize various best practices, where parliament acts as a bridge between people’s aspirations and public policy.
“This partnership allows us to utilize various best practices, where parliament acts as a bridge between people’s aspirations and public policy,” he added.
The President mentioned a number of challenges that Indonesia and Pacific countries are facing together, including the threat of climate change, the challenges and potential of the blue economy, the need for human resource empowerment and Pacific cooperation.
“Sea levels are predicted to rise by 1 meter by 2100, which is a big threat to our region. Therefore, anticipation is needed through infrastructure and environmental cooperation. The blue economy has huge potential in our region and can contribute up to 10% of GDP if managed well. Inclusive empowerment of human resources, especially for women and youth, is a priority. “Parliament plays a role in drafting regulations that support human resource development and encourage the exchange of knowledge and experience at all levels of society,” he explained.
President Jokowi also hopes that cooperation in the Pacific region must continue to be improved to achieve shared prosperity.
“Let’s strengthen the spirit of brotherhood and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each country,” concluded President Jokowi.
The Chair of the Indonesian DPR, Puan Maharani, in her speech, emphasized the important role of parliament in advancing Indonesia’s cooperation with Pacific countries and its contribution to global peace and prosperity.
“Today is an important moment since the first IPPP meeting, and since then this meeting has strengthened the parliamentary partnership and has been maintained until this second meeting,” said Puan Maharani.
Puan continued that the brotherhood of Pacific countries must be able to strengthen the culture of peace.
“Parliament must reject violence in resolving conflicts, support partnerships and not unilateralism. “Apart from that, it strengthens collaboration, not conflict and a mutually beneficial relationship and not a zero-sum approach,” explained Puan.
With the strong commitment from various countries in the Pacific region, it is hoped that the resulting solutions can have a significant positive impact on the welfare of society. The Second Session of the IPPP is an important step towards a more sustainable and inclusive future amidst ever-growing global challenges.