Active Role Of Speaker Of The House Of Representatives At The 2025 MiKTA Forum Strengthens Indonesian Diplomacy And Humanitarian Issues

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani/PHOTO via Instagram @puanmaharaniri

JAKARTA - Observer of the University of Indonesia's (UI) international relations, Shofwan Al Banna Choiruzzad, appreciates the active role of DPR Speaker Puan Maharani who represented Indonesia in the MIKTA parliamentary consultation forum, which consists of 5 countries with middle power.

Shofwan assessed that Puan's presence shows Indonesia's consistency in maintaining multilateralism and encouraging global cooperation, especially in the midst of increasing world geopolitical challenges.

"In the midst of global uncertainty presented by increased tensions between the United States (US) and China, the world needs an active role from countries that are not superpowers but have significant leadership and roles in areas or in certain sectors," Shofwan said, Friday, November 14.

"MIKTA is one of the platforms that brings together countries that play this important role," he added.

Shofwan also considered that Puan's presence was not only symbolic, but also brought global issues such as humanitarian issues that had needed strong voices from middle power countries.

"We see Mrs. Puan taking a firm and consistent position in encouraging the resolution of humanitarian crises such as in Palestine and Sudan," explained the International Relations Lecturer of the University of Indonesia (UI).

"Active roles like this are very important because humanitarian issues are often marginalized by geopolitical tensions and competition for great powers," continued Shofwan.

Shofwan added that Indonesia's active involvement through parliamentary diplomacy needs to be strengthened. He also appreciated Indonesia's activeness in utilizing this platform, as shown by the Speaker of the House of Representatives representing Indonesia at the MiKTA parliamentary consultation forum.

"All forums that can be used to present multilateral safety nets must be used as much as possible," said Sofwan.Shofwan emphasized the importance of MIKTA maintaining a global focus on long-term strategic issues.

"Through this platform, global challenges such as energy transitions and climate change, which are threatened with being drowned by geopolitical issues, can still be at the priority table of global leaders," he concluded.

Previously, Puan raised a number of issues in the 11th MiKTA forum in South Korea, such as humanitarian issues to artificial intelligence (AI).

In front of the head of the MIKTA state parliament, Puan touched on the long-running humanitarian issue in Palestine, to the recent Sudanese conflict and needed steps from middle power countries.

"In this situation, the consequences of humanity in Palestine, Ukraine, Sudan, Yemen, and in other parts of the world are not news that is far from the main topic, but demand that we immediately take concrete steps and resolve them," said Puan, Wednesday, November 12.

On the Korean Peninsula, Puan said the challenge was different, namely regarding the risk of escalation, not the number of victims. He considered that MIKTA members must strengthen crisis management and build trust.

"This reality reminds us that our first instincts must be de-escalation and credible dialogue, not the last resort taken too late," he explained.

On the other hand, Puan said that Parliament is not an observer in peace development. According to her, parliament is turning commitments into laws, budgets, and supervision that make peace lasting.

"Our role is to ensure that the mandate and resources are in line with reality on the ground, not a pattern that is forced from afar," explained Puan.

Not only that, the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture also mentioned Indonesia's recognition of AI as a strategic technology that can encourage economic growth in the future, even though its energy demand is high. Puan also assessed that AI can contribute directly to sustainable development goals.

"Indonesia has consistently called for international cooperation in AI governance that is inclusive, human-centered, and fair to developing countries," said the first woman to serve as chairman of the DPR.

"We are aware of the opportunity for AI to accelerate development and the dangers it can cause, namely the deepening technological gap between rich and poor countries," continued Puan.

To ensure a just and inclusive transition, Puan emphasized that parliament must first establish a clear direction. He assessed that Parliament must ratify regulations that define long-term energy routes, provide legal certainty for investment in renewable energy, and protect workers and affected communities.

Puan also reminded parliament to listen. He considered that a fair transition cannot be designed only by ministries and experts in the capital, but also listens to all the aspirations of the people.