By: Ramadaniya Kurniyasih
The 19th Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC) Conference held in Jakarta in May 2025 stands as evidence that diplomacy need not rely solely on military or economic power. Culture, parliaments, and humanitarian values can serve as powerful instruments to de-escalate global tensions and strengthen inter-nation solidarity. Indonesia, as the host, is using this opportunity to reaffirm its role as a bridge within the Islamic world. Amidst rising geopolitical conflict around the globe, the agenda to advance economic cooperation, counter extremism, and protect cultural heritage has become an urgent necessity.
The PUIC series commenced with a Culture Dinner at the National Museum’s Sculpture Garden. Delegates from member states were welcomed by tour guides and interpreters to ensure that each cultural narrative was accurately conveyed. Traditional dance performances from various regions and stories of Islam’s arrival in the archipelago offered delegates a unique insight into the deep interconnection between religion and local tradition in Indonesia.
In his opening remarks, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized Indonesia’s vast diversity—home to 1,340 ethnic groups and 718 local languages—underscoring pluralism as an invaluable social capital. He noted that nearly fifty thousand cultural heritage objects and over 29,000 intangible heritage elements have been recorded as national assets. International recognition from institutions like UNESCO—from batik to the Saman dance—proves that Indonesian cultural products serve as a universal language capable of bridging differences.
Fadli further explained that the Islamic heritage on display in the exhibition “The Light of Islamic Civilization” demonstrates how religion can harmonize with, rather than erase, local traditions. This narrative is vital to counter stereotypes that claim Islam is incompatible with cultural diversity.
A central focus of the PUIC plenary session was the plight of the Palestinian people. The Indonesian delegation proposed a joint resolution not only condemning aggression but also emphasizing the importance of preserving more than 195 cultural heritage sites in Gaza damaged by conflict. This aligns with Indonesia’s constitutional mandate to support the independence of oppressed nations.
Speaker of the House Puan Maharani welcomed delegates by highlighting the importance of parliamentary diplomacy. She urged OIC legislators to actively build a future marked by peace, prosperity, and civility—not only for their own people, but for humanity at large. Puan reminded the audience that the historic parliamentary building where the conference is held symbolizes the struggle of Indonesia’s founding fathers to uphold national unity in diversity.
Her message on inter-parliamentary dialogue stressed the legislature’s role as a mediator when executive channels hit an impasse. By exchanging legislative experiences, parliaments can help align domestic policies with international norms on human rights and sustainable development.
Outside the main forum, Indonesian delegates held bilateral meetings with several countries to discuss halal value chains, Islamic tourism investment, and sharia financial technology. Emphasis was placed on mutual halal certification, expansion of pilgrimage flight routes, and education. Although economic in nature, these discussions retained a humanitarian focus: job creation, inequality reduction, and recovery support.
Gamelan performances, batik exhibitions, and culinary promotions of Indonesian halal food served as expressions of soft power that reinforce Indonesia’s image as a moderate and open Muslim nation. However, turning PUIC policies into action requires commitment from all parties. There are three key challenges: (1) harmonizing national regulations with PUIC resolutions, (2) monitoring budgets for student and youth legislator exchange programs, and (3) maintaining cultural diplomacy beyond ceremonial displays.
In this context, the upcoming World Culture Forum 2025 in Bali—under the theme “Culture for the Future”—will serve as a concrete follow-up. The forum aims to bring together policymakers, artists, and creative industry players to build a platform for heritage protection in the digital era while fostering culture-based economic growth.
The PUIC OIC 2025 Conference demonstrates that Islamic solidarity is not limited to rhetorical platforms but can be translated into concrete cooperation: protection of heritage sites, strengthening parliamentary diplomacy, and development of a halal economic ecosystem. With its legacy of religious moderation and cultural richness, Indonesia has successfully positioned itself as both a model and facilitator.
This conference sends a powerful message: when art, tradition, and humanity become the foundation for cooperation, the complexities of geopolitics can be mitigated. The next task is to ensure that each point of agreement is followed through—ranging from drafting cross-national scholarship budgets to forming heritage protection task forces in conflict areas.
PUIC OIC 2025 in Jakarta has proven Indonesia’s ability to blend cultural soft diplomacy with the legislative hard diplomacy. By drawing solely on its cultural wealth, Indonesia has mobilized global solidarity focused on peace. If implementation remains consistent, this forum will be remembered as a milestone in Islamic countries’ collaboration toward a more harmonious and civilized world.
The author is an observer of peace and cultural diplomacy issues.
