Indonesia Highlights Women’s Issues, Humanitarian Concerns, and Governance at Islamic Parliamentary Forum
Jakarta — The 19th Session of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC) officially commenced at the House of Representatives (DPR RI) Complex in Jakarta, bringing together over 500 delegates from member and observer states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This forum marks a significant milestone in Indonesia’s parliamentary diplomacy to foster solidarity among the Islamic world.
Speaker of the House, Dr. (H.C.) Puan Maharani, emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy that yields tangible outcomes.
“DPR RI fully understands that today’s parliamentary diplomacy demands real action. This forum must be a space for concrete results, not merely ceremonial gestures,” she stated.
Puan also highlighted women’s participation as a crucial issue, stating that Indonesia is ready to share its experience in empowering women to take significant roles in national politics.
“PUIC 2025 is a collective platform to champion humanitarian values, echoing the spirit of the Asian-African Conference,” she added.
In his address, Chair of the DPR’s Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKSAP), Mardani Ali Sera, underscored the importance of solidarity among parliaments of OIC member states in tackling global challenges faced by the Muslim world, including socio-economic disparities, low human resource quality, and rising Islamophobia.
“PUIC must serve as a moral and political force to realize a peaceful, just, and prosperous world, in line with Islam’s values as a mercy to all creation,” Mardani said.
He further stressed the importance of good governance and strong institutions as pillars of resilience for Muslim societies. According to him, principles of justice, trust (amanah), and accountability rooted in Islam should serve as the foundation for democratic strengthening and inter-parliamentary cooperation.
Institutional reform, Mardani continued, is crucial for OIC countries—many of which are developing nations—to transform into advanced countries capable of collective action.
“The 25th anniversary of PUIC is not merely ceremonial, but a strategic moment to reinforce a shared commitment to the aspirations of the Muslim ummah and to foster unity for a peaceful and dignified future,” he concluded.
International relations expert Anton Aliabbas praised DPR RI’s efforts to advance gender equality within the forum. He noted that Indonesia’s move demonstrates the country’s progress in creating space for women in politics.
Anton, who heads the Center for Intermestic and Diplomatic Engagement (CIDE), added that Indonesia’s emphasis on women’s participation in the PUIC Conference challenges stereotypes that Muslim-majority countries lack inclusivity for women.
“The spirit of DPR in using PUIC to highlight women’s participation in Muslim countries deserves appreciation,” he stated.
Anton also noted that Indonesia, with its experience in women’s political engagement—including Puan as the first female Speaker of the House—can serve as a role model for other OIC member states.
