2nd IPPP Officially Opened, Jokowi Invites to Strengthen Collaboration Between Pacific Countries’ Parliaments
Jakarta – The 2nd session of the Indonesia-Pacific Parliamentary Partnership (IPPP) forum in Jakarta raised the theme Partnership for Prosperity: Fostering Regional Connectivity and Inclusive Development discussing a number of global issues from the perspective of the parliaments of Pacific countries.
During the meeting, President Joko Widodo said there were 3 important sectors that currently needed joint and immediate handling, the first was related to climate change. The UN predicts a rise in sea levels of up to 1 meter by 2100.
This is a major threat to our region, so it is necessary to strengthen parliamentary advocacy to mitigate this by adapting policies and increasing infrastructure and environmental cooperation.
Second, related to the blue economy which is our region’s great potential. The World Bank says this sector contributes up to 10 percent of GDP if managed sustainably, so encouragement from parliament is needed to increase regional connectivity as well as collaboration in law enforcement and conservation of marine resources.
Third, related to human resource development through inclusive education and training, including for women and youth to increase productivity and innovation. So it is necessary to formulate regulations from parliament to encourage cooperation between communities, various knowledge that covers all levels of society.
President Joko Widodo further said that it is necessary to continue to develop Pacific cooperation in maximizing the potential we have to improve people’s welfare, and through this parliamentary partnership, let us strengthen the spirit of brotherhood, mutual trust and mutual respect, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Meanwhile, DPR Speaker Puan Maharani said that in the second meeting Indonesia invited all regional countries to continue the cooperation that had been built since the first meeting in 2018.
“Today is an important moment because we can continue the cooperation from the first IPPP meeting in 2018. Since now, the spirit of Indonesia’s partnership with the parliaments of Pacific countries has grown stronger,” said his speech.
IPPP is based on the noble goal of building connectivity between Parliaments of Pacific countries 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.
“In democratic countries such as the Pacific and Indonesia, parliament has an important role in carrying out state functions and influencing foreign policy in our respective countries.” he said.
Building a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pacific region will be a positive contribution to global peace and prosperity. All regional countries must take a role in ensuring that they can collaborate in dealing with it.
“Today, the strength of our brotherhood is demonstrated by the level of parliamentary attendance at this forum,” concluded Puan. (AR)
