Jakarta – The 19th Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC), held at the Nusantara Building in Senayan, Jakarta, marked an important moment for strengthening bilateral relations between Indonesia and Turkey, particularly in the defense and economic sectors.
Chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKSAP) of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Mardani Ali Sera, emphasized the importance of enhancing strategic cooperation between the two countries during a bilateral meeting with the Turkish Parliamentary Delegation. He highlighted significant opportunities for collaboration in the field of defense technology, especially drone development.
“The meeting with the Turkish Parliamentary representative, Professor Abdurrahman Dusak, was excellent. He discussed how defense cooperation between Indonesia and Turkey can be further optimized,” said Mardani.
He explained that Indonesia has great potential not only as a market but also as a production partner.
“Mr. Prabowo has even established a special division focused on drones. We have the opportunity not only to import, but also to collaborate with Turkey to develop the next generation of advanced drones,” he added.
Beyond defense, Mardani also stressed the importance of accelerating the Indonesia–Turkey Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
“Hopefully, the Indonesia–Turkey free trade agreement can be signed this year so that complicated import duties and customs processes can be resolved quickly,” asserted the legislator representing Jakarta’s 1st electoral district.
He also suggested removing visa and trade barriers between the two countries to ensure smoother relations.
“Turkey and Indonesia should have a more seamless relationship. There should be no obstacles regarding visas or customs duties. This is our shared responsibility,” he said.
Meanwhile, during the 12th Conference of Muslim Women Parliamentarians, BKSAP member Melly Goeslaw raised the issue of humanitarian crises in Palestine and Kashmir.
“I expressed my deep concern over the humanitarian conflict in Palestine. This is a test of our shared values. There is no place more urgent than Gaza,” she stressed.
She called for concrete action from OIC member states to protect women and children affected by armed conflicts.
