Meeting The Speaker Of The Timor Leste And Brunei Parliaments, Puan Discusses Women's Issues And PMI Protection

Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, and the Timor Leste delegation. (Photo: DPR News Bureau)

JAKARTA - The Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, held a bilateral meeting with the Chairman of the National Parliament of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste, Maria Fernanda Lay at the DPR Building, Jakarta. In addition to the Speaker of the Timor Leste Parliament, Puan also met with the Chairman of the Legislative Council of Brunei Darussalam, HE. Pehin, a Rich Man in the Lela Dato Series, Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman Bi Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib.

The bilateral meeting between Puan and the Speaker of the Timor Leste Parliament and Brunei Darussalam was held separately at the Nusantara Building, Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Saturday, August 16, afternoon.

This meeting was an honorary visit after the Speakers of the Timor Leste and Brunei Darussalam Parliament attended the Annual Session of the MPR RI and the Joint Session of the DPR-DPD RI at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday, August 15, along with a number of other ASEAN Parliament Speakers.

The two parliamentary leaders also fulfilled the invitation to dinner with Puan and the ranks of the DPR last night.

"It is an honor for me to meet officially with the mother of the Speaker of the Timor Leste Parliament, Mrs. Maria Fernanda Lay and Her Majesty Pehin Dato Abdul Rahman Taib, on her visit to Jakarta, after yesterday we enjoyed the gala dinner," said Puan in her statement, Saturday, August 16.

"I once again would like to thank you for the presence of Mrs. (Chairman of the Timor Leste Parliament) in Jakarta, and the willingness of the Chairperson ( Brunei Parliament) to fulfill my invitation to attend the event in the context of the 80th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia," he continued.

In his meeting with the Speaker of the Timor Leste Parliament, Puan said the two countries had the same values as a country that upholds democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. He also assessed that the two countries need to continue to work together to promote peace, stability, and welfare in the region.

"The two countries also need to advance international cooperation, and encourage the end of war and conflict. Peace is a prerequisite so that we can carry out development in our country," he said.

Puan stated that Indonesia continues to support Timor Leste, which will get full ASEAN membership in October 2025 and support the Timor Leste Parliament to become a permanent member in AIPA (ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly). At this meeting, Parliament Speaker Maria Fernanda Lay asked for Indonesia's support for Timor Leste's membership in ASEAN.

Furthermore, the two discussed the issue of women. As fellow leaders of women parliament, Puan invited Maria Fernanda Lay to work together in the context of women's empowerment, especially to be active in the world of politics.

"We certainly can inspire young women to enter politics. Because by entering politics, women can contribute to solving problems in our country," said the first woman who served as chairman of the DPR RI.

Puan hopes that the cooperation in the economic sector between Indonesia and East Leste will increase in line with bilateral trade between the two countries in 2024 which will reach US$391 million, growing 12 percent from 2023.

"On this occasion, I encourage the finalization of the Bilateral Investment Treaty between Indonesia and Timor Leste to be resolved immediately. This is to provide legal certainty and protection in encouraging a sustainable business climate," said Puan.

Meanwhile, when meeting with the Chairman of the Legislative Council of Brunei Darussalam, HE. Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman Bi Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib, Puan alluded to economic cooperation.

Puan really appreciates the CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) between Indonesia and Brunei since 2020, which has contributed to an increase in bilateral trade. Moreover, the trade balance between the two countries in 2024 is USD 655 million, or grew 30 percent since 2020.

"Therefore, we need to continue to encourage increased trade between the two countries," he said.

"I am of the view that we can explore sectors and commodities that have the potential for economic relations, including the trade in halal products (food and beverages), energy, agriculture and fisheries security," added Puan.

On this occasion, Puan also asked for the support of the Brunei Darussalam parliament for Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) there. On the other hand, the Chairperson of the Pehin Perlemen acknowledged the contribution of Indonesian workers in development in Brunei.

Puan also considered the need for a parliamentary role to accelerate the finalization of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the placement and protection of PMI in the domestic sector in Brunei. Currently, there are around 45,000 Indonesian citizens working in various sectors in Brunei, especially in the field of construction and households.

"This MoU will strengthen protection for both Indonesian migrant workers and Brunei residents as workers," explained Puan.

Given the importance of strengthening cooperation between the two parliaments, the Indonesian House of Representatives has formed a Parliamentary Bilateral Friendship Group (GKSB) with the Timor Leste Parliament and the Brunei Darussalam Parliament during the 2024-2029 term.

Puan also hopes that both countries, both Indonesia-Timor Leste and Indonesia-Brunei Darussalam, can improve relations between communities (people-to-people contact). Puan also encourages greater cooperation in the fields of tourism and education, through student exchanges/students, teachers, and joint research.

"Until 2024, there have been more than 10,000 Timor Leste students studying in Indonesia. I hope that Timor Leste graduates from Indonesia can become a bridge to strengthen relations between the two countries," said Puan.

"I also appreciate the implementation of cooperation between the Indonesian Education institution and Brunei Darussalam which has been going very closely, one of which is through the Brunei Malay Teachers Association (PGGMB) and the Indonesian Teachers Association (PGRI)," said Puan.