19th PUIC Conference in Jakarta Highlights the Role of Youth and Startup Ecosystem

Jakarta – The 19th Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC) has been ongoing since (12/5) at the Parliament Complex, Jakarta, with a strategic agenda that not only discusses cooperation between parliaments of Islamic countries, but also highlights the importance of the role of the younger generation in digital and sustainable economic development.

Member of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKSAP) of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Galih Dimuntur Kartasasmita, in the 11th Meeting of the Specialized Standing Committee on Economic Affairs and the Environment, emphasized that OIC member countries must create economic infrastructure that supports the development of young people’s potential, especially in the fields of technology and entrepreneurship.

“Not only Indonesia, but the world is 30% young people. So today’s young people must be equipped with economic infrastructure channels from their countries to be able to develop their own startups,” said Galih

Galih explained that the decline in the startup trend post-2019 was a process of normalization, not a setback.

“Startups are declining not because of negative reasoning, but because of normalization. Now what we have to look for are startups that are truly new and innovative in accordance with the current era,” he explained.

He also gave an example of a positive model from Algeria which opened access to investment and startup incubators.

“We also have to be able to equip our children if they want to go abroad. But in the PUIC scheme, it means that we first talk among member countries to be able to support each other and develop this potential,” added Galih.

Previously, the Chairman of the BKSAP DPR RI, Mardani Ali Sera, ensured that the conference ran smoothly from the agenda to security.

“This is an honor as well as a big responsibility for Indonesia to host the 19th PUIC Conference,” said Mardani.

He emphasized the importance of discussing strategic issues such as increasing the participation of women and youth, sustainable development, and solidarity with conflict areas, including Palestine.