At The AIPA Closing Ceremony, Puan: People's Voice Of Parliament

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

JAKARTA - Chairman of the House of Representatives and President of the ASEAN Inter Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) 2023, Puan Maharani officially closed the 44th AIPA General Assembly, which has agreed on 30 resolutions. He emphasized the importance of the real work of the ASEAN community because the people's voice is the voice of parliament.

"Through this event, the Parliament of AIPA members can contribute positively in encouraging the coordination of various policies in ASEAN. Parliament members of AIPA voice the aspirations and voices of the people in Southeast Asia. The voice of the people is the Voice of Parliament," said Puan at the 44th AIPA General Assembly Closing Ceremony which was held at the Fairmont Hotel, Jakarta, Wednesday 9 August.

"At this meeting we have all answered that if we work together then. We can help create peace, advance development, and reduce emissions," continued Puan.

Puan emphasized that the role of Parliament is expected to overcome polarization between countries that has hampered international cooperation. For domestic areas, said Puan, Parliament can play a major role in influencing domestic politics in order to prioritize collaboration between countries.

"We have seen that domestic politics can have a real impact on regional and even global stability. We see domestic politics can even lead to international tensions," he explained.

To ensure the welfare of the regional community, Puan assessed that AIPA needs to continue to maintain that ASEAN is inclusive, people-centered, and people-oriented. This aims to improve the standard of living of the people, especially in Southeast Asia.

"We need to ensure that ASEAN's work results are always action-oriented, including to overcome poverty, inequality, create jobs, and provide access to quality health services and education for the people," said Puan.

ASEAN is the fifth power of the world economy, with total ASEAN GDP reaching US$ 3.9 trillion, with a population of 680 million. Puan considered this to be a force that could be utilized together.

"To become an engine of global growth, ASEAN needs to deepen its economic integration. And ASEAN needs to be a bigger part of the global supply chain. I believe that a safe and prosperous Southeast Asia will contribute to global peace and welfare," said Bung Karno's grandson.

Furthermore, Puan explained that Parliament proved relevant to maintaining peace, building trust, and reducing geopolitical tensions in the region.

"We believe that differences between countries must be resolved at the negotiating table and not on an open conflict field through diplomacy and not with violence. We believe in the power of dialogue, especially because we are facing challenges caused by accelerating geopolitical tensions in the Southeast Asia region," explained Puan.

On the issue of humanity in Myanmar, all delegations of the 44th AIPA General Assembly agreed to encourage the implementation of the Five Points Consensus for resolving the conflict in Myanmar. Puan said AIPA must be ready to seek breakthroughs in building dialogue with related parties in the country that is still in conflict.

"Parliament members of AIPA also need to maintain the sustainability of democracy in Southeast Asia. As a big family, we must take care and remind each other not to let the democratic process decline in Southeast Asia," he said.

Puan also expressed her appreciation to all delegations of AIPA members, observer countries, and partners who have actively participated in the 44th AIPA General Assembly.

Puan also expressed her gratitude to the Secretary General of ASEAN Kao Kim Hourn who was pleased to attend the AIPA Session in Jakarta. Thanks were also conveyed to the Secretary General of AIPA Siti Rozaimeriyanty Dato Haji Abdul Rahman and his staff for their cooperation to support the success of the 44th AIPA General Assembly until it was lively and comfortable for all the delegates present.

"Before returning to our respective countries, I would like to invite the delegates to enjoy the beauty of Indonesian cultural arts. To all delegates, I would like to say goodbye and see you again next year at the 45th AIPA General Assembly in Laos," said Puan.

"And with this, I declare that the 44th AIPA General Assembly in Jakarta is officially closed. Together we are stronger Together we are one in one ASEAN family," he continued.

After the closing ceremony of the 44th AIPA Session, the Indonesian House of Representatives will hold a solidarity dinner which is dedicated to all session participants. Various entertainment and cultural arts events will be performed to entertain the delegates.

Then tomorrow, Thursday (10/8), the DPR RI will also invite the delegations of the 44th AIPA General Assembly to visit Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII). The DPR wants to show the face and beauty of the motherland through this miniature Indonesia.