DPR Ready To Hold IAPF, Puan Believes This Forum Is The Added Value Of RI-Africa Relations

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani (Dok DPR Photo)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian House of Representatives will host the Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum (IAPF) or the Indonesian parliamentary forum with African countries. The chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, believes that this IAPF event will increase the added value of Indonesia's relations with Africa which also has a long history.

The Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum will be held in Bali from August 31 to September 2, 2024. The meeting was held continuously with the implementation of the Indonesia-Africa or Indonesia-Africa Forum High-Level Forum (FTT) held by the Government.

Puan said that the Indonesia-Africa parliament forum as a way to build partnerships between parliaments could expand Indonesia's relations with Africa so that it becomes more inclusive.

"This means that we also reach a wider relationship between the wider community, because Parliament is the people's representative," said Puan, Friday, August 30.

With the theme 'Strengthening the Indonesian-African Parliamentary Partnership for Development', the IAPF is expected to be a strategic step in strengthening cooperation between the Indonesian parliament and Africa. Puan believes this forum can improve the quality of relations between the two parties.

"I am sure that the IAPF meeting can provide added value in the relations between African countries and Indonesia," said the first woman to serve as Chair of the DPR RI.

According to Puan, this added value will be achieved if the Indonesian parliament and African countries strengthen cooperation. Moreover, Indonesia and Africa have a history where relations between countries have been established since the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference and the 1961 Non-Aligned Movement.

"An additional value will also be obtained if the IAPF cooperation contributes to realizing the aspirations of the people in Africa and Indonesia so that the welfare of the people in each country can be achieved," said Puan.

The Indonesia-Afrik Parliamentary Forum will consist of three discussion sessions that address important issues, including southern-south cooperation for sustainable prosperity and development, resilient community development through health and food security initiatives, as well as the use of trade and investment potentials for inclusive economic growth.

Puan hopes that the IAPF can produce concrete efforts for the progress of each country.

"And of course this is in line with the spirit of our predecessors at the Asia Africa Conference 69 years ago in fostering brotherhood and solidarity among nations in Asia and Africa. We as successors must continue these ideals," explained the grandson of the first President of the Republic of Indonesia Sukarno.

"This Forum is clear evidence of Indonesia's commitment to always be at the forefront of building a better world," added Puan.

The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture also ensured that the DPR was ready to welcome the IAPF delegation. Including, said Puan, prioritizing health protocols following the rise of the monkeypox (Mpox) outbreak or monkeypox.

"And the government has also anticipated the monkeypox outbreak," he explained.

"We will work together with the Government so that the preparation and implementation of the IAPF, God willing, will be able to run well," continued Puan.

To note, the Government will hold the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) High Level Forum (FTT) in Nusa Dua, Bali, on September 1-3, 2024. The forum will be attended by around 855 participants from various countries. President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is scheduled to attend this event.

FTT Indonesia-Africa is also held in conjunction with the Multi-Party Partnership High Level Forum (High-Level Forum on Multi Stakeholder Partnerships), which is a collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Bappenas. The total participants are estimated to reach 1,500 delegates from African countries and other Global South countries.