Appreciating the Success of PUIC 2025: A Milestone in Advancing Islamic Parliamentary Solidarity
By: Ina Guritno
The 19th Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC) officially concluded in Jakarta on Thursday, May 15. The forum, held from May 12–15, 2025, marks a new chapter in the history of Islamic parliamentary diplomacy, with the formal handover of the PUIC leadership from Adama Bictogo, Speaker of Côte d’Ivoire’s National Assembly, to Puan Maharani, Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI). This transition is not merely symbolic; it reflects the trust of the Islamic world in Indonesia’s ability to lead PUIC’s transformation going forward.
Adama Bictogo expressed his strong confidence in Indonesia’s leadership. In his address to delegates, he conveyed optimism that Puan’s leadership would usher in significant changes. This recognition is well-founded. As the largest democracy in the Islamic world, Indonesia has a strong track record of championing justice, pluralism, and inclusive diplomacy.
This year’s PUIC session carries even deeper significance as it coincides with the 25th anniversary of the organization’s founding. In her speech, Puan Maharani invoked the spirit of the “new emerging forces” first proclaimed during the 1955 Asian-African Conference, urging it to once again serve as the foundation for a movement toward a more just, peaceful, and prosperous global order.
According to Puan, solidarity and cooperation among member states are essential pillars in building a human-centered world order. She argued that the direction of the world must not be dictated solely by major powers. With 54 member states, PUIC holds the potential to become a globally influential political force — if united by a common vision and shared action.
One of the key themes of this year’s conference was the importance of good governance and institutional strengthening. This is particularly relevant in a world facing multidimensional crises — from political uncertainty and economic instability to climate change and escalating geopolitical tensions. Bictogo referred to this theme as the “essential foundation” for global resilience.
Indonesia, through the House of Representatives (DPR RI), reaffirmed its strong commitment to global peace. Bramantyo Suwondo, Deputy Chair of BKSAP (Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation), emphasized that Indonesia will continue to be part of global solutions, upholding the principle that every country — big or small — must have an equal voice in tackling global challenges. PUIC, he noted, can serve as a vehicle for stronger communication and mutual understanding.
Indonesia also brought forward concrete agendas, including the empowerment of women, protection of Muslim minority communities, and strengthening of Shariah-based economic cooperation. In a special committee session, Mohamad Sohibul Iman, member of BKSAP, proposed the establishment of a special committee to monitor and prevent discriminatory legislation against Muslim minorities — a reflection of Indonesia’s sensitivity to global human rights issues and its advocacy for universal justice.
Economic issues were also prominently featured. Ravindra Airlangga, Deputy Chair of BKSAP, highlighted the stagnation of intra-OIC trade, which remains at around 19% of total foreign trade among member countries. This is despite projections that the global halal market will reach USD 2.4 trillion by 2026. He noted that non-OIC countries still dominate the global halal market, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for OIC members. Ravindra advocated for strengthening the halal supply chain and enhancing logistical connectivity among member states.
Through this form of parliamentary diplomacy, Indonesia emphasized that cooperation in economic, political, social, and cultural sectors must be a shared priority — not for short-term gain, but to build a more progressive, just, and prosperous Islamic civilization. This is especially critical as the Islamic world continues to face major challenges, including the Palestinian struggle, the crisis in Gaza, poverty, and technological inequality.
Puan Maharani made a firm call for the promotion of a “culture of peace” in a world increasingly marked by conflict. She urged PUIC parliaments to encourage more countries to recognize Palestinian statehood and to work toward a two-state solution. She stressed that Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and must be rebuilt with justice and hope.
Amid these global challenges, the successful hosting of the 19th PUIC in Jakarta stands as a testament to Indonesia’s growing leadership on the international stage. Beyond being a gracious host, Indonesia successfully shaped a substantive, inclusive, and people-centered agenda. This has further cemented the DPR RI’s position as a strategic actor in global diplomacy grounded in human values and Islamic solidarity.
PUIC 2025 represents a strategic momentum, not only for Indonesia, but for the Islamic world as a whole. Through transformational leadership, concrete collaboration, and unified solidarity, the organization has the potential to emerge as a global force for real change. Indonesia has lit the torch of hope — it is now time for all PUIC members to carry its flame onto the world stage.
The author is an international relations analyst.
