Speaker of the House of Representatives Puan Maharani asks the ASEAN Parliament to follow up on the AIPA Resolution

Puan Maharani in the 17th Session of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly or AIPA Caucus at the Parliament Complex, Jakarta, Wednesday, July 22. (IST)

JAKARTA - The Chair of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, asked the parliaments of ASEAN countries not to stop at resolutions and political statements. Regional agreements must be translated into real regulations and supervision in each country.

Puan conveyed this when opening the 17th Session of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly or AIPA at the Parliament Complex, Jakarta, Wednesday, July 22.

"These two issues are not just discourse, but legislative responsibilities that must be translated into regulations and real supervision in each country," said Puan.

The session, which was chaired by the DPR RI, discussed two main agendas. First, the governance of peace which includes economic, social, environmental dimensions, as well as the role of women and youth.

The second agenda discusses the steps of parliament in facing climate change, including the development of the blue economy and green economy.

Puan said the trial took place at a time when respect for international law was questioned, multilateral systems faced a crisis of confidence, and the tendency of countries to take their own steps was getting stronger.

According to Puan, this condition requires ASEAN to maintain unity and strengthen its role as the main driver of political, economic, socio-cultural, and security relations in the region.

"In this situation, AIPA must reaffirm its commitment to strengthen the centrality of ASEAN," he said.

ASEAN centrality is a principle that places ASEAN at the center of the formation of regional directions and cooperation.

Puan assessed that the principle must be based on dialogue, consensus, cooperation, respect for international law, and multilateralism. These values are known as the ASEAN Way.

"Indonesia will continue to work so that ASEAN remains relevant in a multipolar world," he said.

According to Puan, parliament has an important position because it is a link between public aspirations and regional policies. This role includes the preparation of rules, government oversight, and follow-up on AIPA resolutions.

The AIPA Caucus is an ASEAN parliamentary forum for drafting joint legislative initiatives, harmonizing laws, and overseeing the implementation of resolutions. In 2026, Indonesia holds the presidency of the forum.

The 17th session also followed up on the discussion of the 46th AIPA General Session in 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, including parliamentary diplomacy, the impact of global tariffs, and peace initiatives.

The forum coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia or Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.

Puan then appointed the Chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia, Syahrul Aidi Maazat, to lead the session.