2nd Indonesia-Pacific Parliamentary Partnership (IPPP): Synergy and Appreciation of the Role of the DPR and Security Apparatus
Indonesia reaffirmed its role as a key player in regional diplomacy by hosting the 2nd Indonesia-Pacific Parliamentary Partnership (IPPP) which will be held on 24-26 July 2024 in Jakarta. This session aims to strengthen maritime partnerships and increase connectivity with Pacific countries, as stated by the Chair of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani. Puan emphasized the importance of maritime partnerships for regional stability, while hoping that the theme “Partnership for Prosperity: Fostering Regional Connectivity and Inclusive Development” can be implemented to create a peaceful and stable Pacific region.
Security is a top priority in preparations for the 2nd Indonesia-Pacific Parliamentary Partnership (IPPP). The DPR RI Secretariat General (Setjen) held a rehearsal at the Nusantara Building, Senayan, Jakarta, two days before the event started. Head of the General Bureau of the Secretariat General of the DPR RI, Rudi Rochmansyah, explained that these preparations included tightening security in all sectors. To ensure maximum security, 54 DPR RI internal security personnel (Pamdal) have been deployed to various strategic points. They were tasked with securing the gate, escorting the delegation from the airport to the venues, as well as providing special escort when the delegation visited the Bogor Botanical Gardens on July 26.
Apart from that, the Secretariat General of the DPR RI has also prepared to welcome foreign delegations with honors, adding strict protocol elements to this event. Security personnel are not only tasked with maintaining physical security but also ensuring the smooth running of the entire event series. The synergy between various security sectors shows the seriousness of the DPR RI in ensuring the comfort and safety of delegates from the 16 participating countries, which is a reflection of Indonesia’s commitment to making this international meeting a success.
Deputy Chair of the Indonesian DPR’s Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKSAP), Putu Supadma Rudana, emphasized that the 2nd Indonesia-Pacific Parliamentary Partnership (IPPP) has a strategic role in supporting the first track diplomacy carried out by the Indonesian government. This forum aims to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations with Pacific countries, a region that has great potential but has not been fully utilized in the context of development cooperation. According to Putu, the IPPP is expected to be a catalyst for strengthening cooperation in various fields, from economics, culture to politics, which will ultimately improve regional prosperity and stability. Thus, IPPP is not just a discussion forum, but also a platform for real action in strengthening Indonesia’s diplomatic relations with Pacific countries.
Furthermore, Putu highlighted the importance of utilizing the IPPP momentum to strengthen Indonesia’s engagement with countries in the Pacific region, especially considering Indonesia’s strategic position which directly borders Papua New Guinea. Papua New Guinea is considered one of the key countries in the Pacific because of its influence on other island countries. With IPPP, Indonesia has the opportunity to strengthen cooperation with Papua New Guinea, which is expected to pave the way for broader cooperation with other Pacific countries. Putu emphasized that through this forum, Indonesia can demonstrate its commitment to supporting sustainable development in the Pacific region, which in turn will strengthen Indonesia’s position as a reliable strategic partner in international eyes.
High appreciation also deserves to be given to the Indonesian people who supported the successful holding of the 2nd IPPP Session. Active community participation shows that Indonesia is ready to become a trusted partner and contribute actively in building a developed and sustainable Pacific region.
The Second Session of the Indonesia-Pacific Parliamentary Partnership (IPPP) is not just a diplomatic forum, but also a symbol of the strong synergy between the DPR RI, security forces and the Indonesian people in making the Pacific region more stable, peaceful and prosperous.
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” bringing the main focus to climate change, the blue economy and inclusiveness of environmental and human development.
The President of Indonesia in his opening speech emphasized the importance of international cooperation in facing increasingly complex global challenges. President Joko Widodo is optimistic about the IPPP partnership which will make it possible to utilize various best practices, where parliament acts as a bridge between people’s aspirations and public policy. 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. President Jokowi hopes that cooperation in the Pacific region must continue to be improved to achieve shared prosperity.
We can also see a positive view of the 2nd IPPP in the speech of the Chairman of the DPR, Puan Maharani, who invited all countries in the region to continue the cooperation that has been built since the first meeting which was held in 2018. The IPPP is based on the noble goal of building connectivity between the Parliaments of the countries. Pacific to face very dynamic global challenges. Indonesia has a big role in developing the Pacific region. At the second IPPP meeting, all countries in the Pacific region could create prosperity in the Pacific region. This is a challenge for all regional countries.
We can see Puan Maharani’s statement in her speech as a positive signal for the development of the Asia Pacific region, where the DPR RI is ready to help develop the blue economy, connectivity in the Pacific region and overcome the impacts of climate change. Regarding inclusive development in the Pacific, Puan is pushing the issue of women’s empowerment more deeply, which can be done by increasing women’s participation in politics and holding public office. Parliamentary diplomacy must be able to encourage countries in the Pacific to prioritize cooperation rather than uni-lateral policies, collaboration and not conflict. And a mutually beneficial relationship. By creating a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pacific region, it will certainly contribute positively to peace and prosperity at the global point and level.
