Dinner With Speaker Of The ASEAN Parliament, Puan: Strengthening Solidity Between Southeast Asian Countries

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, held a meeting as well as dinner with a number of Parliamentary Chairs from the ASEAN state, last night. The event took place after the chairman of the parliament in Southeast Asian countries attended the MPR Annual Session and the Joint Session of the DPR-DPD RI at the Parliament Complex, Jakarta.

The leaders who attended the Annual Session in the DPR, including the President of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) 2025 as well as the Chairman of the Malaysian House of Representatives, H. E. Tan Sri Dato (Dr.) Johari bin Abdul, the Chairman of the National Parliament of Timor Leste, H. E. Maria Fernanda Lay, and the Chairman of the Singapore Parliament, H. E. Seah Kian Peng and the Chairman of the Legislative Council of Brunei Darussalam E. Pehiin Seri Lela Daro Serie Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib.

Some of those present at the dinner included the Chairman of the Legislative Council of Brunei Darussalam and the Speaker of the National Parliament of Timor Leste. While the rest must return to his country because they already have an agenda.

Puan said the joint dinner event was to strengthen the friendship of countries in the Southeast Asia region, as well as to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia.

"We gather to commemorate the sacrifices that have won Indonesia's independence, and to celebrate the friendship between countries in our region," said Puan, in her statement, Saturday, August 16.

Puan said that Indonesia's independence this year is very important, because it commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Proclamation on August 17, 1945. She invited all elements of the nation to celebrate the unity and sovereignty that has become the pillars of Indonesia.

"The independence is a bridge from the past to a better future. Independence allows this nation to ensure progress in reaching all corners of the country," said the grandson of the Proclaimer of the Republic of Indonesia Sukarno.

Puan reminded that independence is also about responsibility. "Using our freedom for the common good, to support each other, and to build good relations with other countries," said Puan.

Puan assessed that no country can progress alone. For this reason, partnerships, collaborations, and collective efforts are the keys to a peaceful and prosperous world.

"Let us continue the spirit of independence that is unlimited, guided by unity and sovereignty, so that Indonesia continues to become the strength of peace, stability, and prosperity in this region," he said.

"And let us celebrate together, 80 years of Indonesia's independence, for an eternal bond of friendship, and for our common future," added Puan.

Puan revealed that the reason for inviting ASEAN parliamentary chairmen to this Annual Session was because she wanted to show the democratic process in Indonesia.

"To strengthen solidity and so that parliament in ASEAN as a friend of the DPR can witness one of the democratic processes in Indonesia," he concluded.