PUIC Conference Host Status Strengthens Indonesia’s Role in the Eyes of the International World
By: Jodi Mahendra )*
Indonesia once again demonstrated its role on the global diplomacy stage by hosting the 19th Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC) which is scheduled to take place on 12-15 May 2025 in Jakarta. The forum, which was held at the DPR RI Parliament Complex, Senayan, presented parliamentary delegations from dozens of member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), marking an important moment in the history of Indonesian parliamentary diplomacy and strengthening Indonesia’s strategic role in the Islamic world and globally.
The appointment of Indonesia as host did not come by chance. This is a form of international trust in Indonesia’s ability, especially the DPR RI, to manage multilateral forums and play an active role in global issues. The Speaker of the DPR RI, Puan Maharani, in various public statements said that holding this conference is part of the grand strategy of Indonesian parliamentary diplomacy which has continued to be strengthened in recent years. Indonesia is active in various international parliamentary forums, such as the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), and has formed more than 100 Bilateral Cooperation Groups (GKSB) with parliaments of friendly countries.
PUIC is a parliamentary forum for OIC member countries that discusses various strategic issues, ranging from world peace, cooperation between members, to human rights issues and sustainable development. In this context, Indonesia’s position as the country with the largest Muslim population in the world provides strong moral and political legitimacy to take a leadership role. This conference is a stage for Indonesia to highlight a number of important issues of global concern, such as Islamophobia, injustice against the Palestinian people, and challenges to the rights of women and children in conflict areas. Ahead of this conference, Indonesia has shown its seriousness in conveying important agendas through active participation in previous PUIC conferences. In the 18th PUIC Conference held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, in 2023, the Indonesian delegation led by the Chairperson of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKSAP) of the Indonesian House of Representatives for the 2019-2024 period, Fadli Zon, voiced various progressive ideas. Indonesia encourages the existence of international regulations that guarantee freedom of expression without damaging social cohesion, and emphasizes the importance of interfaith and intercultural dialogue to combat negative stereotypes of Islam that are still rife in many countries.
In addition, Indonesia also fights for the protection of women and children living under occupation or armed conflict situations. This idea has received attention from many participating countries and is the basis for strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation in forming legislation that supports vulnerable groups.
On the other hand, the holding of this conference not only has a diplomatic dimension, but also has strategic value from a domestic perspective. Indonesia is taking this opportunity to show the world the institutional capacity of parliament in managing international events efficiently and transparently. The Secretariat General of the Indonesian House of Representatives together with the Secretariat General of PUIC have even signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to ensure the smooth running and quality of the conference. Readiness of infrastructure, logistics, and security are part of efforts to display a positive image of Indonesia in the eyes of the international community.
In an era when global issues demand collective solutions, the role of forums such as PUIC is very important. This forum allows Muslim-majority countries to form a common understanding and position on global issues that touch the Islamic world, including the Palestine-Israel conflict, climate change, refugees, and post-pandemic development challenges. In this context, Indonesia has great potential to become a bridge between the Islamic world and the wider global community, given its geographical position, population, and track record in maintaining stability and diversity.
Furthermore, hosting the PUIC Conference also reflects Indonesia’s determination to play a more active role in shaping a more just and inclusive world order. This is in line with Indonesia’s free and active foreign policy, which not only prioritizes national interests alone, but also contributes to maintaining global peace and security. As stated by the leaders of the Indonesian parliament, parliamentary diplomacy is an important instrument that complements executive diplomacy in creating international influence.
It is important to note that the implementation of the 19th PUIC Conference also provides space for economic and cultural diplomacy. With the presence of hundreds of foreign delegates, opportunities for promoting tourism, domestic products, and investment are wide open. Various accompanying agendas such as cultural and economic exhibitions are expected to introduce the richness ofan Indonesian treasure trove to the Islamic world.
Hosting the 19th PUIC Conference is not just a ceremonial achievement, but a firm statement of Indonesia’s readiness to become an opinion leader, dialogue facilitator, and guardian of humanitarian values in the international community. With a strategic position and consistent track record in promoting peace and cooperation between nations, Indonesia strengthens its foothold as an important actor in global diplomacy, especially in the Islamic world.
)* The author is an observer of social and community issues
