Indonesia Strengthens Global Role Through 19th PUIC Conference: Promoting Peace and Solidarity in the Islamic World
By: Laras Indah Sari – Political and Foreign Policy Analyst
Indonesia once again affirmed its position as a strategic diplomatic force in the Islamic world through the hosting of the 19th Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC). This international forum has become a crucial platform for Indonesia to enhance cooperation among Islamic nations, while also showcasing its active leadership on the global stage in promoting peace, sustainable development, and cross-regional solidarity.
As host, Indonesia did not merely provide a diplomatic space—it brought forth its unique values and approaches: inclusive democracy, a spirit of dialogue, and governance grounded in accountability. Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Puan Maharani, emphasized that Indonesia’s presence amid today’s global dynamics reflects its commitment to building a more open, progressive, and harmonious Islamic world. She stated that this meeting is both an honor and a strategic momentum for Indonesia to assume a more significant role at the international level.
Puan also reaffirmed Indonesia’s position as a driving force behind democratic parliamentary diplomacy within the Islamic world. Through this forum, Indonesia hopes to integrate values of peace, development, and social justice into joint policy initiatives among OIC member states.
Echoing this, Chair of the DPR RI Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKSAP), Mardani Ali Sera, noted that the 19th PUIC Conference is part of a sustained effort to strengthen Indonesia’s parliamentary diplomacy. In his view, parliamentary diplomacy serves not only as a bridge between nations but also as a moral and political force capable of offering solutions to today’s complex global challenges.
Mardani stated that cooperation among Islamic countries in today’s multipolar world must be directed toward establishing a fairer and more peaceful global order. Indonesia, he stressed, is not just a facilitator but also an inspirer. Its participation in the Islamic world’s parliamentary forum brings a renewed narrative: Islam as a mercy for the universe—adaptive, constructive, and responsive to the challenges of the times.
Amid rising geopolitical tensions, environmental crises, and post-pandemic economic disruption, Mardani emphasized the importance of strengthening parliamentary institutions in Islamic countries. With strong, transparent, and accountable institutions, OIC member states can work together to foster stability and sustainable development. This is where Indonesia assumes a strategic role—pushing for legislative governance reforms and opening channels for intercultural and international dialogue.
The 19th PUIC Conference is not just an elite discussion platform, but a venue for real collaboration. Key priority issues raised in the forum reflect a new direction in Islamic parliamentary cooperation: enhancing economic, educational, socio-cultural cooperation, as well as women and youth participation. These issues underscore that the future of the Islamic world depends on the courage to transform—including by fostering inclusive participation across all sectors of society.
Mardani highlighted Indonesia’s promotion of sustainable development in key sectors such as environment, education, and digital innovation. This aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are also a priority for OIC member countries. In this context, Indonesia stands out as a country capable of bridging national interests with the collective agenda of the Islamic community.
Among the main topics of the conference, particular attention was given to transparency and parliamentary accountability as the foundations of a healthy democracy. From Indonesia’s perspective, strengthening legislative oversight and increasing public engagement in the law-making process are essential to rebuilding public trust. Thus, Indonesia has encouraged the exchange of best practices among OIC parliaments to enhance legislative governance.
Indonesia also introduced a new approach to parliamentary diplomacy focused on cross-sectoral and participatory cooperation. One such approach includes strengthening the role of parliament in addressing contemporary issues such as energy resilience, cybersecurity, and digital innovation within the Islamic world. This marks Indonesia’s readiness to assume global leadership—not only regionally but within broader frameworks of strategic cooperation among Muslim nations.
The successful hosting of the 19th PUIC Conference in Jakarta reflects Indonesia’s capability as an open and progressive center for Islamic dialogue. With a long-standing tradition of maintaining social harmony and diversity, Indonesia possesses both the social and political capital to serve as a global reference amid today’s modern challenges.
This moment also reinforces that Indonesia’s global role is no longer confined to conventional diplomacy. The country is now emerging as a key player in intercultural, interparliamentary, and intergenerational diplomacy. Indonesia’s active participation in PUIC demonstrates its readiness to lead, facilitate, and provide solutions for a more peaceful and inclusive future for the Islamic world.
Therefore, the 19th PUIC Conference is not merely a ceremonial international event—it is a concrete step to solidify Indonesia’s position as a pivotal node in the architecture of Islamic cooperation. On the global Islamic stage, Indonesia shows that true leadership is born out of example, collaboration, and a unifying vision for the future.
