Close The RI-Africa Parliament Forum, Puan: Opposite Discriminatory Policies That Hinder The Developing Country!

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

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, closed a series of Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum (IAPF) events. Puan spoke about the importance of developing countries being united for the future and the progress of their respective nations.

"I am grateful to see the course of the discussion, which took place with the spirit of brotherhood, solidarity, and high cooperation between the Parliaments of African countries and Indonesia," said Puan at the closing event of the IAPF which was held in Nusa Dua, Bali, Sunday, September 1.

"Each delegation has expressed the view of affirming a shared commitment to the progress of relations between countries," continued the first woman to serve as Chair of the DPR RI.

The IAPF also highlighted cooperation in the health sector, as well as food and energy security. More than that, Puan assessed that the IAPF forum can build good relations for all delegates so that they can get to know each other more.

"We have succeeded in building friendship, solidarity, and networks between parliaments. I believe the common views between us will support South's Global solidarity and can be a strong foundation for the future of our relationship," he said.

Puan added that there are many potential for southern-south cooperation, starting from agriculture, health, industry, investment and trade.

"We can use the diversity of economic potential for joint progress in Africa and Indonesia," said Puan.

With the theme Strengthening the Indonesian-African Parliamentary Partnership for Development, the IAPF itself has three in-depth discussion sessions with different topics. Among other things related to South-South Cooperation, Building a Tough Society, as well as related to Food Health and Security and Potential for Trade and Investment.

"This IAPF Forum has shown that relations between Africa and Indonesia can be strengthened by cooperation between parliaments. Through various discussions, it has been emphasized that commitment to human-centered development must be a priority," said Puan.

The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture also talked about efforts to answer the global challenges currently being faced together, from geopolitical tensions to global warming. Puan emphasized that Indonesia is committed to supporting Africa's more prosperous, peaceful, and united vision in the context of the 2063 Agenda.

"We must stand together against the policies of various countries that hinder the progress of developing countries, such as discriminatory policies and protectionism," he said.

In front of the 7 Chairmen and 2 Deputy Speakers of Parliament and members of Parliament from the 22 African countries present, Puan emphasized that this great responsibility is not only for the present. But also for future generations.

"Our future is in the hands of the younger generation. Africa, as the continent with the youngest population in the world, will contribute 42 percent of the world's total youth population by 2030," said Puan.

"It is the same with Indonesia, which is entering the peak of the demographic bonus, where almost 60 percent of citizens are young," added the grandson of the Indonesian Ulemator Ir. Sukarno.

On the other hand, Puan assessed that the IAPF forum could be the starting point for the long journey of parliament to commit to contributing and creating a better future for the people of all countries present.

"This meeting is also inclusive by involving all elements of society: youth, women, and marginalized people," said Puan.

Puan revealed that in the IAPF forum room there were many calls for stopping genocide in Gaza, ensuring a ceasefire, and finally towards full independence of Palestine. She also expressed her gratitude to all delegates, panelists, and organizers who had made this forum run successfully.

"Our diversity is a force in the relationship between Africa and Indonesia. We in the DPR RI are strongly committed to placing the Parliament of African countries as the main partners," explained Puan.

In the future, Puan said there needs to be more intensive consultations and dialogues by countries that have been present at the IAPF and other world parliamentary forums such as the IPU (Inter-Parliamentary Union).

Puan also asked all delegates to bring the results of the discussion to the parliamentary courtroom in their respective countries so that the results of the discussion in Bali be followed up. Closing her speech, Puan then quoted Bung Karno's statement at the opening of KAA in 1955.

"Let's remember, Sisters and Brothers, we, Asians and Africans, must be united!" said Puan loudly.