The Issue Of ASEAN Solidarity In AIPA Is Considered Right On Target To Unite Southeast Asian Countries

Photo via aipa44.dpr.go.id

JAKARTA - The statement by the Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, who emphasized the ASEAN Solidarity at the 44th ASEAN Inter Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) was considered capable of uniting the country in Southeast Asia in dealing with geopolitical issues in the region. Puan is considered appropriate to bring the issue to the session of the Parliament forum in Southeast Asia.

Puan's statement was delivered in front of the ASEAN state parliaments which were present at the 44th AIPA General Assembly in Jakarta. Puan invited AIPA members to be more solid, look for similarities between ASEAN countries, and try to minimize differences.

"The statement by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, which encourages ASEAN to be solid in responding to the geopolitical dynamics of the region, of course, further gives the impression that maintaining ASEAN centrality is crucial," said International Relations Observer, Anton Aliabbas, Tuesday, August 8.

The 44th AIPA General Assembly will take place from 5 to 11 August which will be attended by the Chairperson and Member of the AIPA Member Delegation minus Myanmar, Secretary General of AIPA, 18 observer countries and guests, as well as 10 international organizations.

The prestigious event in ASEAN is one of the peaks of the chairmanship of the DPR RI at AIPA, in line with Indonesia's chairmanship in ASEAN in 2023. Acting as the host, the DPR RI carries the theme 'Responsive Parliaments for a Stable and Prosperous ASEAN' which is ASEAN parliament's commitment to participate in creating peace and prosperity in Southeast Asia.

On various occasions at the 44th AIPA Session, Puan continued to invite the parliament of AIPA members to be more solid considering that there are many multi-dimensional challenges faced by Asian Tenggara countries. One of the things that Puan said was the importance of AIPA contributing to reducing tension (geopolitical tension) due to the competition between great powers in Southeast Asia.

According to Anton, Puan's statement must be responded to by the ASEAN parliaments. Puan's position as President of AIPA 2023 has a big role to be heard by leaders in Southeast Asia.

"This is because the geopolitical dynamics of the region opens up a greater space for polarization between the pros and the pros of Beijing. And if this polarization strengthens, it will certainly have an impact on the cohesivity of ASEAN itself," explained Anton.

The lecturer at Paramadina University also said that the involvement of parliament in global issues would have a crucial impact on the international community.

Anton said that parliament can provide solutions to problems in the region because it has a role in connecting the voices of the people who feel anxiety due to various crises, for example in the issue of peace, development deficit and climate change as stated by Puan.

"The role of Parliament needs to be strengthened in taking a role in challenges in ASEAN. In a meeting with the Southeast Asian Parliament, it is appropriate for Puan to state that Parliament needs to be involved in dealing with various international problems, because various global crises have had an impact on the people," he said.

In addition to the geopolitical challenges in the region, Puan also raised a number of issues at the 44th AIPA Session. Starting from empowering women and young people, to dealing with the Myanmar conflict, which is expected to be a common concern for AIPA members.

Anton explained that the internal problems of the region faced by ASEAN such as the Myanmar conflict still require attention from all countries in Southeast Asia. Therefore, he considered Puan to understand the problems in ASEAN very well, thus encouraging the implementation of the five-point consensus to resolve the Myanmar conflict at the AIPA General Assembly.

"So far, the Myanmar junta is still resistant to the formula offered by ASEAN. The 5 Points consensus still has not seen its effectiveness. Therefore, steps to reduce the space for differences within ASEAN inevitably must be pursued," explained Anton.

Following the chairmanship of Indonesia in ASEAN, Anton assessed that the support for unity and integrity that is always echoed will increase Indonesia's value among Southeast Asia, as well as in the world.

"And as a 'natural leader' in ASEAN, Indonesia's real work in affirming and strengthening ASEAN centrality is always awaited," said the Head of the Center for Intermestic and Diplomatic Engagement (CIDE).

On the sidelines of the 44th AIPA General Assembly, Puan also held various special meetings with a number of parliamentary delegates. Including parliament from observer countries.

Puan much supports increasing Indonesia's cooperation with friendly countries in various sectors, such as in the fields of education, economy, trade, even on political and security issues.

Anton also highlighted the issue that Puan brought during a bilateral meeting with the Moroccan delegation as a observer country. Puan invited Morocco to continue to be consistent with Indonesia in its commitment to fight for Palestinian independence.

"The strengthening of Palestinian independence support in a bilateral meeting with Morocco by the DPR delegation led by Puan Maharani should be appreciated," said Anton.

Puan's parliamentary diplomacy was deemed appropriate. Because, according to Anton, Bung Karno's grandson has a role in the struggle for Palestinian independence through diplomatic channels.

"After all, diplomatic efforts to make Palestine an independent and sovereign state must still be carried out continuously," he said.

"The spirit and commitment like this actually has to be carried out continuously in various bilateral and multilateral forums. That way, we will continue to take care of the public's memory that Indonesia has always voiced the independence of Palestine," continued Anton.