Indonesia–Bahrain Agree to Strengthen Parliamentary Cooperation, Discuss Studies to Digitalization at PUIC 2025

Jakarta – The first day of the 19th Conference of the Parliamentary Union of OIC Member States (PUIC) at the Indonesian Parliament Building, Jakarta, Monday (12/5/2025), was immediately marked by a number of bilateral meetings between delegations.

One of the important meetings took place between the Secretary General of the Indonesian Parliament Indra Iskandar and the Secretary General of the Bahrain Parliament Mohamed Ibrahim Al Sisi Al Buainain.

In the meeting, Bahrain expressed its desire to strengthen institutional relations with the Indonesian Parliament on an ongoing basis.

“They expressed their desire that relations between the Indonesian and Bahraini Parliaments can be further facilitated, both through direct meetings and digital communication. Of course, this is a positive opportunity that we will follow up on,” said Indra at the Parliament Complex, Senayan.

Indra explained that the cooperation being explored covers various aspects, from exchanging policy studies to increasing institutional capacity. One of the highlighted areas is the issue of mothers and children, where Bahrain has in-depth studies that can be collaborated with the DPR RI Expert Body.

“This is a very important potential for collaborative studies, especially in building policies based on data and cross-country experience,” he said.

Both parties also highlighted the importance of digitalizing inter-institutional communication and strengthening capacity building programs for members and staff of parliament.

Although the Bahraini Parliament is bicameral and has a relatively small number of members, according to Indra, this structure actually facilitates consolidation and efficiency of decision-making.

The DPR RI through the Indonesia-Bahrain Bilateral Cooperation Group (GKSB) will follow up on the results of the technical discussions in the near future.

“We hope that this collaboration can be followed up immediately in the form of a real program,” concluded Indra.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the DPR RI Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKSAP), Mardani Ali Sera, emphasized that the 19th PUIC is an important momentum to strengthen the solidarity of Islamic state parliaments through concrete cooperation.

“The main focus of the PUIC forum this time is to promote peace and harmony between OIC member countries, strengthening cooperation in the economic, social, and cultural fields,” said Mardani.

Mardani said a number of strategic issues were also discussed, ranging from sustainable development to women’s and youth’s participation in politics.

“The DPR will also bring up the issue of women and youth participation, as well as sustainable development and the environment between OIC countries,” he said.*