PUIC OIC 2025: Encouraging Solidarity and Cooperation of the Islamic World

By: Ramadaniya Kurniyasih

The 19th Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC) Conference in Jakarta in May 2025 is proof that diplomacy does not always rely on military or economic power. Culture, parliament, and humanitarian values ​​can be powerful instruments to reduce global tensions and strengthen solidarity between nations. Indonesia, as the host, is taking advantage of this moment to affirm its role as a bridge for the Islamic world. Amid the escalation of geopolitical conflicts in various parts of the world, the agenda of advancing economic cooperation, dealing with extremism, and protecting cultural heritage is an urgent need.

The PUIC series of events opened with a Culture Dinner at the Taman Arca Museum National Museum. Delegates from member countries were greeted by tour guides and translators who ensured that each cultural narrative was translated correctly. Traditional dance performances from various regions and the story of the entry of Islam into the archipelago became a window for delegates from Muslim countries to understand how close the relationship between religion and local traditions is in Indonesia.

In his remarks, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized that Indonesia has 1,340 ethnic groups and 718 regional languages, a fact that makes diversity an invaluable social capital. He said that almost fifty thousand objects are suspected of being cultural heritage and more than 29 thousand intangible heritages have been recorded as national assets that must be protected. Recognition by world institutions such as UNESCO—from batik to the Saman dance—emphasizes that Nusantara cultural products have become a universal language that can bridge differences.

Fadli added that the Islamic heritage in Indonesia—displayed in the exhibition “The Light of Islamic Civilization”—proves that religion can acculturate without erasing local traditions. This narrative is important to break the stereotype that Islam cannot compromise with local culture.

The main highlight of the PUIC plenary session was the suffering of the Palestinian people. The Indonesian delegation proposed a joint resolution that not only condemned the aggression, but also emphasized the importance of preserving more than 195 cultural sites in Gaza that were damaged by the conflict. This effort is in line with the mandate of the Indonesian constitution to support the independence of all oppressed nations.

DPR Speaker Puan Maharani welcomed the delegates by emphasizing the importance of parliamentary diplomacy. She invited the legislative members of OIC member countries to actively create a peaceful, prosperous, and civilized future, not only for their own people, but for humanity in general. Puan reminded that the historic building where the conference was held symbolizes the struggle of our ancestors to maintain the integrity of the nation amidst differences.

Puan’s message on inter-parliamentary dialogue highlighted the additional function of the legislature as a mediator when the executive branch reaches a dead end. By exchanging experiences in making laws, parliaments can help align domestic policies with international norms around human rights and sustainable development.

Outside of the official forum, the Indonesian delegation held bilateral meetings with a number of countries to discuss the halal value chain, Islamic tourism investment, and sharia financial technology. Emphasis was placed on mutually recognized halal certification, the addition of Hajj and Umrah flight routes, and the education sector. Although economic in nature, the discussion still touched on humanitarian aspects: creating jobs, reducing inequality, and encouraging recovery.

Gamelan performances, batik exhibitions, and exploration of Indonesian halal culinary promotions are forms of soft power that emphasize a moderate and open image. However, the implementation of policies resulting from PUIC requires seriousness from all parties. There are three challenges: (1) harmonization of national regulations to be in line with PUIC resolutions, (2) budget supervision for student and young legislator exchange programs, and (3) consistency of cultural diplomacy so that it does not stop at mere ceremonies.

In that context, the plan for the 2025 World Culture Forum in Bali with the theme “Culture for the Future” is a concrete follow-up. This forum is expected to unite policymakers, artists, and creative economy actors to formulate a platform for heritage protection in the digital era, while growing the cultural industry as an engine of growth.

The 2025 PUIC OIC Conference shows that the solidarity of the Islamic world does not stop at the rhetorical pulpit, but can be translated into concrete cooperation: protection of cultural sites, strengthening parliamentary diplomacy, and development of a halal economic ecosystem. Indonesia, with its rich heritage of religious and cultural moderation, has succeeded in positioning itself as a role model and facilitator.