Indonesia Hosts the 19th PUIC, Strengthening Cooperation of Islamic World Parliaments

By: Rivka Mayangsari

Indonesia has started a prestigious international event that is a real proof of its leadership in the global arena of the Islamic world. On 12-15 May 2025, Indonesia will host the 19th Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC (PUIC), or the Conference of Parliaments of Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
The holding of this conference was officially announced by the Chairperson of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKSAP) of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Mardani Ali Sera. He said that the conference held under the leadership of the Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, will be a special moment because it coincides with the 25th anniversary of the founding of PUIC. Mardani stated that on 12-15 May 2025, Indonesia will host the OIC parliamentary meeting and that this momentum is very meaningful because it also commemorates a quarter century of PUIC’s existence.
Indonesia chose the main theme of “Good Governance and Strong Institution” as the main foundation of the conference. According to Mardani, this theme is not just a slogan, but a reflection of Indonesia’s commitment to invite OIC countries to strengthen their domestic foundations in order to create a sovereign, independent, and just Islamic world. He emphasized that this moment is not only for reflection, but also an opportunity to renew commitment to the principles of peace, justice, human rights, and economic development.
One of the main agendas in the 19th PUIC Conference is a special discussion on the issue of Palestine. In this meaningful momentum, Indonesia wants to encourage OIC countries to move beyond just verbal condemnation and criticism, towards real, effective action.
Mardani emphasized that OIC countries should not only be angry with big countries like the United States or simply curse, but rather need to build institutional strength and good governance in their respective countries.
A special session titled Committee on Palestine is planned to discuss in depth the current conditions in Palestine, formulate concrete steps forward, and form a strategic alliance between OIC parliaments. Mardani emphasized that the purpose of this meeting is not merely to condemn, but to build a strong alliance between PUIC member countries as a form of collective solidarity.
By strengthening internal governance, OIC countries can increase their diplomatic capacity and geopolitical influence, and free themselves from dependence on external powers. This step is part of a long-term strategy to create collective resilience in the Islamic world.
The PUIC 2025 Conference is not only about Palestinian solidarity. More than that, this meeting is a forum for OIC member countries, most of whom are developing countries from the Global South, to develop a joint roadmap towards a more just, democratic, and inclusive world order.
During the four days of implementation, the conference will cover various important agendas: plenary sessions, standing committee meetings, parliamentary women’s forums, to strategic discussions across issues such as legislative innovation, digital governance, and social inclusion. This is a collaborative forum that brings together parliaments, international organizations, and civil society in one strategic dialogue space.
This conference is also expected to produce important resolutions that can be a global reference in strengthening parliamentary democracy in Islamic countries. Indonesia, as the host, wants to demonstrate its role as a pioneer of modern parliamentary governance that is responsive to the challenges of the times.
Mardani stated that with good governance and strong institutions, OIC countries can become more independent and no longer too dependent on other countries.
Indonesia’s readiness to host this conference is a symbol of international trust in Indonesia’s strategic role in the global arena. Not only is it a country with the largest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia has also proven itself as a bridge of peace, a promoter of democracy, and a pioneer of inclusive development.
Through the holding of the 19th PUIC, Indonesia wants to emphasize that parliamentary diplomacy is an important instrument in building a new, more civilized world order. The presence of parliamentary delegates from dozens of OIC countries in Jakarta will strengthen Indonesia’s position as a driving force for multilateral cooperation based on progressive and just Islamic values.
Mardani emphasized that not only condemnation is needed on the Palestinian issue, but also a real and strong alliance between PUIC members.