Meeting Puan In Sela PUIC, Palestinian Delegation Calls Indonesia A Loyal Friend

JAKARTA - The chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, met with the leadership of the Legislative Council of Palestine, Mohammad Moussa Subeih Zeidan and his entourage on the sidelines of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC) general assembly or the Parliamentary Union conference of countries that are members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

When meeting Puan, the Palestinian parliamentary delegation gave a lot of appreciation to Indonesia and the Soekarno family for their support for the Palestinian independence struggle. The Palestinian delegation called Indonesia a loyal friend.

Puan initially expressed her gratitude to the Palestinian Delegation for her presence at the 19th PUIC Conference which was held in the DPR.

"Welcome to Jakarta. I hope this meeting will be the right moment for us to reaffirm the strengthening of bilateral relations between Indonesia and Palestine, including Indonesia's support for Palestinian independence," said Puan Maharani when meeting the Palestinian Parliament Delegation at the DPR Building, Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Wednesday, May 14.

During this meeting, Puan reiterated Indonesia's commitment to firmly support Palestinian independence, including encouraging humanitarian missions for the people of Gaza.

"For Indonesia, support for Palestinian independence is not just an issue of foreign politics, but part of the mandate of the Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia," said the grandson of the Proclaimer of the Republic of Indonesia.

Puan emphasized that the Indonesian state constitution has mandated that independence is the right of all nations. Therefore, colonialism above the world, including in Palestine, must be abolished because it is not in accordance with humanity and justice.

"The support for independence against Palestine is also in line with the spirit of the 1955 Asian Africa Conference in Bandung as a symbol of the anti-colonial struggle," said Puan.

Efforts to support Palestine continue to be voiced and carried out by Indonesia from various elements. The Indonesian House of Representatives supports the efforts of the Indonesian government which continues to encourage Palestinian independence through parliamentary diplomacy, including in international forums such as PUIC and Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

Puan ensured that the DPR would continue to oversee the issue of Palestinian independence at the global level.

"Regarding the situation in Gaza, the Indonesian House of Representatives urges the international community to immediately stop the war in this region," he said.

"The DPR RI also urges the international community to ensure humanitarian assistance can enter Gaza and other Palestinian territories without a hitch," added Puan.

Puan also said that Indonesia would continue to encourage the resolution of the Gaza conflict through two state solutions.

"The DPR RI will also continue to encourage countries in the world to recognize Palestinian sovereignty and encourage peaceful conflict resolution through the 'Tua-Negara Solution' with the determination of Al-Quds as the Palestinian capital," said the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.

"I always voice support for Palestinian independence and emphasize it in various international forums," continued Puan.

In addition to the issue of Gaza, Puan also highlighted the importance of improving bilateral relations between Indonesia and Palestine, especially in the economic field, the development of human resources (HR) to education.

"We also need to encourage increased relations between communities, especially through cooperation in the field of education," explained Puan.

"I also welcome and support the steps taken by the Indonesian government which actively distributes aid to Palestine, both through bilateral channels, and other humanitarian institutions," he continued.

In a bilateral meeting with the Palestinian Parliament Delegation, Puan was accompanied by the Deputy Chairperson of the House of Representatives' Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKSAP), Irine Yusiana Roba Putri, and members of the DPR's BKSAP Gilang Dhielafararez and Junico Siahaan.

To Puan, the Palestinian Parliament Delegation gave high appreciation to Indonesia for accompanying their struggle for a long time. The Palestinian Parliament delegation also touched on the support of President Sukarno and 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia Megawati Soekarnoputri.

The Palestinian delegation said they never felt alone in the struggle to liberate their nation because Palestine felt they had loyal friends, namely Indonesia," explained Irine Yusiana Roba Putri after the meeting.

"They said, since the first president of the Republic of Indonesia, Sukarno, Palestine has always received support for his independence from Indonesia," he added.

One of the Palestinian Parliament delegates also admitted that he was happy to meet Puan, who is the grandson of Sukarno and Megawati's daughter.

"Even one of the delegates said it was very honored because today he was able to be in Jakarta to meet Sukarno's grandson and also the son of Megawati Soekarnoputri whom they also felt that they were actually present in person to Palestine in 1998," said Irine.

"Mrs. Megawati at that time visited the Palestinian people and provided direct support for the independence of the Palestinian people," he continued.

Irine also mentioned Puan's message which stated that until whenever Indonesia would continue to defend the interests of the Palestinian people and call on the world regarding Palestinian independence.

Bilateral Meeting With Leadership Of Qatar Parliament

Apart from Palestine, Puan also held a bilateral meeting with the Deputy Speaker of the Qatar Parliament, Hamda Bin Hassan and other Qatari parliamentary delegates.

At this meeting of fellow women's parliamentary leaders, the two discussed a lot about the importance of the issue of peace and women's empowerment. Puan also mentioned the opportunity for bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Qatar in the defense sector, namely collaboration in the production of defense equipment and military training to be explored by the two countries.

It is known that Indonesia and Qatar are currently in the process of forming a strategic partnership. In the defense sector, the two countries are currently developing a Defense Cooperation Agreement.

Puan also highlighted that many Indonesian citizens who live and work in Qatar reach more than 24 thousand people. He also encourages broader cooperation in professional workforce, because so far the Qatari Government has also continued to strive to ensure protection for the workforce.

"The appointment of Indonesia as a country partner in the Year of Culture 2023 activities in Qatar is an important milestone in our cultural diplomacy. Let's continue this legacy with advanced programs involving the young community, artists, and creative actors of the two countries," said Puan when meeting the leadership of the Qatar Parliament.

From two bilateral meetings, all delegates expressed their appreciation for the DPR as hosting the 19th PUIC Conference. They continue to mention the friendliness of the Indonesian people.

Meanwhile, the 19th PUIC will be held at the DPR Building, Senayan, Jakarta, from May 12, 2025 to May 15. Although the official opening ceremony will only be held tonight, the 19th PUIC series of activities have started since Monday, May 12, with a number of important meetings.