Indonesia Hosts the 19th PUIC: Strengthening Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation in the Islamic World
By: Rivka Mayangsari)*
Indonesia has embarked on a prestigious international event that underscores its leadership in the global Islamic sphere. From May 12 to 15, 2025, Indonesia is hosting the 19th Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC), a gathering of legislative bodies from countries within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
The announcement was officially made by the Chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKSAP) of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Mardani Ali Sera, who stated that this year’s conference—under the leadership of Speaker of the House, Puan Maharani—is particularly meaningful as it coincides with the 25th anniversary of PUIC’s founding in 1999.
Indonesia has chosen the theme “Good Governance and Strong Institutions” as the foundation of the conference. According to Mardani, this theme is not a mere slogan but a reflection of Indonesia’s commitment to encouraging OIC countries to strengthen their domestic foundations to build a sovereign, independent, and just Islamic world. This moment, he stressed, is not only a time for reflection but also an opportunity to renew a collective commitment to the principles of peace, justice, human rights, and economic development.
A major focus of the 19th PUIC Conference is the issue of Palestine. Indonesia aims to move beyond verbal condemnation and encourage OIC nations to take meaningful and impactful actions. Mardani emphasized that instead of reacting with mere outrage or rhetoric against global powers like the United States, OIC countries should prioritize institutional strength and good governance at home.
A special session titled the Committee on Palestine is scheduled to explore the current conditions in Palestine, formulate concrete future strategies, and foster strategic alliances among OIC parliaments. The goal, according to Mardani, is not just to issue condemnation, but to build a robust parliamentary alliance as a manifestation of collective solidarity.
By enhancing internal governance, OIC member states can increase their diplomatic capacity and geopolitical influence, reducing dependency on external powers. This is part of a long-term strategy to develop collective resilience within the Islamic world.
The PUIC 2025 is not solely about solidarity with Palestine. More broadly, the conference serves as a platform for OIC member states—many of which are developing nations from the Global South—to collectively chart a roadmap toward a more just, democratic, and inclusive world order.
Over four days, the conference features a comprehensive agenda: plenary sessions, meetings of standing committees, a women parliamentarians’ forum, and strategic cross-cutting discussions on legislative innovation, digital governance, and social inclusion. This makes the PUIC an inclusive forum that brings together parliaments, international organizations, and civil society in a single strategic dialogue space.
The conference is expected to produce significant resolutions that can serve as global references for strengthening parliamentary democracy in the Islamic world. As host, Indonesia seeks to demonstrate its leadership in modern parliamentary governance that responds to contemporary global challenges.
Mardani emphasized that with good governance and strong institutions, OIC nations can become more self-reliant and reduce overdependence on others.
Indonesia’s preparedness to host this event is a symbol of international trust in its strategic role on the global stage. Not only is Indonesia the country with the world’s largest Muslim population, but it has also proven itself to be a bridge for peace, a promoter of democracy, and a pioneer of inclusive development.
Through the 19th PUIC, Indonesia aims to reaffirm that parliamentary diplomacy is a vital instrument for shaping a more civilized world order. The presence of parliamentary delegates from dozens of OIC countries in Jakarta strengthens Indonesia’s position as a driving force for multilateral cooperation grounded in progressive and just Islamic values.
Mardani reiterated that what is needed in the Palestinian struggle is not just condemnation, but a concrete and powerful alliance among PUIC member states.
As host, DPR RI welcomes all delegates with open arms and a collaborative spirit. The 2025 PUIC Conference is expected to serve as a new milestone in the journey of Islamic parliamentary diplomacy and a starting point toward a stronger, more sovereign, and justice-based future.
Indonesia is not only preparing substantial agendas but is also ensuring the technical and logistical success of the event. The government and DPR RI are working in synergy to ensure that all delegates experience Indonesia’s warm hospitality, rooted in brotherhood and professionalism.
Indonesia is ready. The Islamic world looks to Jakarta. It is time to prove that with good governance and strong institutions, we can build a dignified civilization.
*) Political Analyst
