By: Astrid Widia
The 19th Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC), held at the Nusantara Building in Jakarta, was more than an annual diplomatic event. This forum reflected how inter-parliamentary diplomacy can serve as a collective force for the Islamic world to simultaneously build solidarity, technological progress, and humanitarian commitment.
Chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Committee (BKSAP) of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Mardani Ali Sera, emphasized the need for more substantive cooperation between countries, particularly in the defense technology sector. He noted that collaboration on drone development was a primary focus in a bilateral meeting with Turkish parliament member, Professor Abdurrahman Dusak.
Currently, Türkiye is recognized as a producer of advanced drone technology, and Indonesia is among the countries that import such products. However, Mardani highlighted the potential for more progressive cooperation, specifically through joint venture schemes to develop next-generation drones. He cited the Ministry of Defense’s move to establish a dedicated drone division as a strong signal of Indonesia’s serious commitment to achieving technological self-reliance in defense.
This initiative not only demonstrates Indonesia’s readiness to adopt technology but also its capacity to act as an innovative partner capable of co-developing technological solutions. In the context of a geopolitically fragile Islamic world, such defense collaboration can serve as a strategic form of protection, built not solely on military strength but on the reinforcement of collective capacity.
Beyond defense, the economic sector also emerged as a key priority. Mardani expressed hope for the immediate signing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Indonesia and Türkiye. He believes that finalizing the FTA will pave the way for smoother economic integration, including tariff elimination and visa-free regimes.
This optimism is well-founded. Indonesia and Türkiye are two of the largest Muslim-majority nations with significant and complementary economic potentials. Reducing import tariffs and simplifying customs procedures will facilitate more efficient trade flows, accelerate growth in strategic sectors, and strengthen the Islamic world’s role in the global economy.
The 19th PUIC did not only cover issues of economy and defense. Humanitarian concerns, particularly regarding the conflicts in Palestine and Kashmir, were also prominently addressed. In the 12th Conference of Muslim Women Parliamentarians, BKSAP member Melly Goeslaw voiced deep concern over the humanitarian crises in both regions.
Melly reminded the forum that women and children are always the most vulnerable in armed conflicts. In her speech, she cited United Nations data reporting more than 15,000 children and over 8,000 women killed since the latest escalation in Gaza. Her message echoed the conscience of the Indonesian people, who have always stood by civilian victims and humanitarian values.
Her remarks regarding the severely damaged Indonesian Hospital in Gaza symbolized the fragility of humanitarian infrastructure in conflict zones. In such dire conditions, Indonesia refuses to remain silent. Melly reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to advocating for a ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian aid access, and the deployment of medical ships to conflict areas.
Indonesia’s stance not only strengthens its diplomatic position in the Islamic world, but also reflects its foreign policy identity—free and active, with a strong orientation toward peace. This commitment also proves that parliamentary diplomacy is not merely symbolic, but can yield tangible outcomes in promoting justice and global solidarity.
At a time when many Muslim countries are entangled in internal conflict or mutual suspicion, the 19th PUIC served as a platform that proved inter-parliamentary dialogue can bridge differences and produce collective solutions. The forum provided strategic space for political communication, consensus-building, and consolidation of joint strength—in defense, economy, and humanitarian affairs alike.
Indonesia’s success in facilitating this meeting demonstrated its maturity in parliamentary diplomacy. The Indonesian delegation did not merely deliver speeches, but also proposed real solutions—ranging from the completion of the FTA to humanitarian advocacy. This proves that the power of diplomacy does not rest solely with the executive branch; it can also thrive within the legislative domain.
Therefore, it is essential to maintain the momentum and outcomes of the 19th PUIC so that they do not end with final documents and speeches alone. Follow-up actions on tangible cooperation—such as joint defense industry development with Türkiye and completion of the FTA—must be prioritized. The same goes for humanitarian commitments: OIC member states must ensure that concrete actions take place on the ground.
Looking ahead, let us uphold the spirit of dialogue and collaboration fostered at PUIC 2025. Let us not allow differences in perspective to divide our shared sense of purpose. In an increasingly complex world, maintaining a conducive environment is a crucial foundation for continuing our collective struggle to uphold peace, strengthen cooperation, and promote justice for all of humanity.
Contributor, Indonesian Institute for Strategic Information Studies
