Indonesia Opens the 19th PUIC Conference: A Strategic Moment Towards Global Leadership of the Islamic World

By Marlinda Yanuar

Indonesia once again plays a strategic role on the international diplomatic stage by hosting the 19th Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC). On Wednesday, May 14, 2025, President Prabowo and the DPR opened the conference in a ceremony at the Senayan Parliament Complex, Jakarta. This moment is an important milestone for Indonesia in demonstrating its commitment as a driver of cooperation and peace in the Islamic world.
The PUIC Conference is an important forum that brings together parliaments from member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This year, the conference carries the theme “Good Governance and Strong Institutions as Pillars of Resilience” which reflects the focus of the Islamic world on strengthening governance and building strong institutions in facing global challenges.
The presence of around 450 delegates from 38 member countries and 10 observer countries marks the enthusiasm of the Islamic world for the strategic issues to be discussed. From Palestine to Islamic economics, from climate change to digital transformation, the forum is a space for Muslim countries to unite their visions and strengthen their collective position in the global arena.
In addition to being a stage for the executive, the conference also strengthens the role of the legislature in international diplomacy. The Indonesian House of Representatives, as the host, plays a central role in organizing the conference. Under the leadership of the Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, the Indonesian parliament demonstrated its capacity to facilitate large-scale and strategic meetings.
At the opening of the conference, President Prabowo delivered an important message about solidarity and transformation of the Islamic world. At the beginning of his leadership, President Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia not only wants to be a good host, but also a driver of collaborative initiatives between Islamic countries. He emphasized the importance of building strong institutions and accountable governance as a foundation for sustainable development and world peace.
By bringing an inclusive and collaborative spirit, Indonesia offers itself as a bridge between the Islamic world and the international community. President Prabowo also emphasized that inter-parliamentary cooperation can be a moral and political force in building a more just and civilized world order.
Meanwhile, Puan positioned this conference not just as a symbolic forum, but as an event to produce real commitments from Islamic countries in responding to global issues. Puan encouraged the results of the conference not to stop at the negotiating table, but to become real policies that have a direct impact on people’s lives. According to her, parliament has a unique power to encourage systemic change, especially on issues such as Palestinian independence, development inequality, and empowerment of vulnerable groups.
The Indonesian House of Representatives also used this conference to strengthen parliamentary cooperation networks, open opportunities for cross-cultural and religious dialogue, and promote the values ​​of Indonesian Islamic moderation to the world. With the spirit of “Indonesia as a large home of a tolerant and democratic Islamic world”, the Indonesian parliament encourages collaboration that is oriented towards social justice and the welfare of the people.
The 19th PUIC Conference has a special meaning because it coincides with the 25th anniversary of the founding of PUIC since its establishment in 1999. This moment is a reflection on the long journey of cooperation between Muslim parliaments and an evaluation of the challenges that are still faced. In this forum, priority issues will be discussed ranging from the Palestinian conflict, strengthening the sharia economy, humanitarian crises in various Muslim regions, to the integration of technology in public governance.
The main results of this conference are expected to be stated in the Jakarta Declaration. A strategic document containing a collective commitment to strengthen democratic institutions, fight for human rights, and build a system of government that is resilient to crises. This declaration is expected to be a moral and political guide for Islamic countries in carrying out their roles on the global stage.
The Jakarta Declaration affirms full support for the struggle of the Palestinian people and condemns all forms of violence that occur. The delegates called for real action from the international community to realize a just and sustainable peace in Palestine. This resolution is also expected to be voiced in other international forums, such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).