JAKARTA - International Relations Observer, Anton Aliabbas, assessed that the appointment of Indonesia as the host of the 19th Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC) or the Parliamentary Association of countries that are members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is not just a symbol of diplomacy.
According to him, the chairmanship of the DPR at PUIC this year is a strategic opportunity for Indonesia to encourage real action in global solidarity with Palestine. Indonesia is said to be able to share experiences with OIC countries.
"With the DPR hosting PUIC, of course, in addition to being able to reinforce its commitment to encourage active parliamentary participation in diplomacy, this event certainly provides an opportunity for Indonesia to continue to strive to convince and strengthen global solidarity for Palestine," said Anton, Monday, May 12.
The 19th PUIC will be held at the DPR Building, Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on May 12, 2025 with the theme Good Governance and Strong Institutions as Pillars of Resilience. This event in Indonesia coincided with the 25th anniversary (silver jubilee) PUIC since its establishment in 1999.
The PUIC Conference at the Parliamentary Complex of the Republic of Indonesia is planned to be attended by 500 participants from the delegation of OIC countries, including observer countries. The chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, has confirmed the DPR's commitment to direct the PUIC discussion towards concrete solutions to answer the multidimensional crisis faced by many OIC member countries. Especially in fighting for the independence of the Palestinian people.
Anton assessed that Puan's target could be achieved if the collective spirit was really consolidated. Moreover, the PUIC or the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Membership State was founded on June 17, 1999, has the aim of increasing cooperation and coordination between parliamentary OIC member countries in various fields, such as politics, economy, social and culture. PUIC also aims to strengthen solidarity and the role of parliament in facing global challenges.
"The target of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, who wants PUIC to find concrete solutions, including real support for Palestinian independence so that it can be achieved," said Anton.
The International Relations Lecturer at Paramadina University is of the opinion that the DPR's awareness of the importance of concrete steps in the Palestinian issue is increasingly relevant today. In dealing with increasingly complex situations, support for Palestine does require concrete suggestions and actions that can strengthen global solidarity.
Moreover, Israel's response to not heeding various international calls shows that pressure from the global community needs to be increased. In this context, said Anton, the role of the DPR can contribute through more active policy initiatives or parliamentary diplomacy.
"It is clear that the DPR's awareness regarding the need for real action is crucial. Fighting for Palestine cannot only stop at the omon-omon level without concrete proposals," he explained.
"In dealing with Israel's extinction, global solidarity requires a lot of concrete suggestions and ideas which of course are expected to put more pressure on Israel," added Anton.
Furthermore, Anton also appreciated the steps taken by the DPR to encourage the issue of gender equality in this forum. For him, this step reflects Indonesia's progress in providing space for women in politics.
Anton added that the DPR's move to raise the issue of women at the OKI Parliament Conference also denied the views that often considered Muslim countries to be less space for women.
"The spirit of the DPR who wants to take advantage of PUIC pays attention to women's participation in Muslim countries also deserves appreciation," said the Head of the Center for Intermestic and Diplomatic Engagement (CIDE).
"After all, the issue of women, democracy and Muslim countries is often a topic of discussion considering that there are often debates regarding the notion of restraint in space for women's participation," continued Anton.
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Anton said, Indonesia, which has shared experiences about the role of women in the political arena, can share experiences with other OIC countries. Especially considering Puan as the first woman to serve as chairman of parliament in Indonesia.
"And of course, Indonesia can share experiences on how women can actually play the same role as men in participating in national political arenas," concluded Anton.
Previously, Puan emphasized that the Indonesian House of Representatives was committed to directing the PUIC discussion towards concrete solutions to answer the multidimensional crisis faced by many OIC member countries. Especially in fighting for the independence of the Palestinian people.
The DPR RI understands very well that today's parliamentary diplomacy demands real action. The issue of Palestine, institutional strengthening, and regional peace are crucial issues that must be a priority discussion," said Puan, Sunday, May 11.
Puan assessed that the presence of parliamentary leaders from various regions of the world, including ASEAN countries such as Malaysia, is a positive sign of the success of the PUIC event in Indonesia.
"PUIC 2025 will be a cross-border forum that leads to solution-based diplomacy, not just ceremonial," explained Bung Karno's grandson.
"Through PUIC, we will build a leadership stage to unite our voices, strengthen solidarity, and fight for human values, as placed by the nation's founders in the Asia Africa Conference (KAA) first," added Puan.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the House of Representatives' Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKSAP) Mardani Ali Sera said the main focus in the PUIC forum held in the DPR is to encourage peace and harmony between OIC member countries, strengthen concrete cooperation in the fields of economic, social and cultural affairs between Islamic states, as well as call for consolidation and concrete steps from the OIC parliaments in supporting the Palestinian people.
"The DPR will also bring the issue of woman and Youth participation, namely how the role and participation of women and the younger generation in Muslim countries. Then about sustainable development or sustainable development and environment between OKI countries," said Mardani.
"And specifically is the issue of Palestine, so how do OIC countries participate in fighting for the independence of Palestine," continued the legislator from the DKI Jakarta I electoral district.
In addition, the two issues that will be raised in the 19th PUIC Session are strengthening the role of Parliament through transparency and accountability, as well as the voice of Parliament and voice for those marginalized.
On the other hand, Mardani said that the implementation of PUIC in Indonesia is increasingly strengthening the role of Indonesian parliamentary diplomacy in the international arena.
"We will focus on one agreement to help our brothers and sisters struggle in Palestine. Solidarity in the Islamic world must continue to be strengthened, not only in rhetoric, but also through real cooperation. Both in parliamentary diplomacy, policy support, and cross-sectoral programs," concluded Mardani.
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