PUIC Series Begins; Affirms Indonesia’s Strategic Role in Uniting the Islamic World
By: Zahra Hanifah
The series of OIC PUIC sessions has officially begun, marking an important step in efforts to strengthen solidarity among member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This forum brings together parliaments from Muslim countries to discuss common challenges and formulate strategic steps that can strengthen the position of the Islamic world in the global order. Amidst various humanitarian, geopolitical, and sustainable development issues, the PUIC meeting is the right moment to build consensus, expand cooperation, and affirm the universal values of Islam that are peaceful and solution-oriented. In this forum, Indonesia once again stands out as an initiator of dialogue and a driver of constructive synergy.
The complex global dynamics have brought the Islamic world to a point of deep reflection. Social inequality, geopolitical conflicts, and development challenges require solidarity that is more than just discourse. In the midst of this great current, PUIC is present as an important forum to strengthen the unity of the people. In this forum, Indonesia appears not only as an active participant, but also as a pivot that radiates constructive, inclusive, and unifying influence.
Indonesia is not a new player in the Islamic diplomacy landscape. Its long experience in building consensus, prioritizing dialogue, and fighting for justice makes it a strategic partner for OIC member countries. Through its role in PUIC, Indonesia demonstrates forward-thinking parliamentary diplomacy, supported by moral strength and a reputation as the largest democratic Muslim country in the world.
This year’s series of PUIC sessions and agendas emphasize the paradigm shift that is taking place. Issues such as the humanitarian crisis, Islamic education, the role of women, and energy and food security have been widely recognized as collective challenges for the people that require a cross-border response. Indonesia plays an important role in bringing these issues to the main stage, encouraging cross-border cooperation, and offering a solution-oriented approach that does not prioritize dominance, but collaboration.
This success cannot be separated from the adaptive and progressive leadership of the parliament. The Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, said that parliamentary diplomacy must be able to become a soft power that bridges political and ideological differences among Muslim countries. This statement finds its meaning in Indonesia’s role in PUIC, where the ideas put forward were not only accepted, but also used as references by many delegations.
The Chairman of the BKSAP DPR RI, Mardani Ali Sera, emphasized that the constructive dialogue approach is not merely symbolic, but part of a long-term diplomatic strategy that is widely recognized as a moral leader who is an example for the Islamic world. This image is reinforced by relatively well-maintained domestic stability, as well as a commitment to inclusive democracy. Diversity that is maintained in social harmony is real evidence that Islamic values can go hand in hand with modernity and openness. Through the PUIC forum, Indonesia transforms this reality into a force that is able to inspire other member countries, while at the same time strengthening its position as a strategic node between different interests.
Concrete initiatives are also advantages in Indonesia’s approach. Support for Palestine, adaptive Islamic education, strengthening the sharia economy, and commitment to developing digital technology for the young generation of Muslims are part of Indonesia’s contribution roadmap. This step shows that diplomacy does not stop at speeches, but is realized in actions that provide long-term benefits.
The PUIC forum provides space for the transformation of Islamic diplomacy from being reactive to being proactive. Indonesia uses this space to build an inter-parliamentary cooperation network that is equal and mutually reinforcing. This approach plays an active role in maintaining stability and building trust between countries on sensitive issues and driving synergy amidst the diversity of political and social systems owned by each member country.
Indonesia’s presence in the midst of this forum also brings new hope for the revival of a more harmonious and competitive Islamic world. The values of civilization, social justice, and the spirit of global humanity are the main foundations of Indonesian diplomacy. In the PUIC forum, these values are not only discussed, but are used as joint guidelines in formulating resolutions and policies.
