Opening the 19th PUIC Conference, Indonesia Encourages Strengthening Parliamentary Solidarity in the International Arena

By: Rika Prasatya

The House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPR RI) held the 19th Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC) or known as the Union of Parliamentary Members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on 12-15 May 2025. This conference not only presented members of parliament, but was also attended by the Secretariat Generals of each OIC Parliament to exchange ideas among the Parliaments of Islamic countries in the world.
The Chairperson of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKSAP) of the DPR RI, Mardani Ali Sera said that President Prabowo Subianto was present to open the conference, accompanied by the Speaker of the DPR RI, Puan Maharani. As the head of the host country, President Prabowo conveyed the message that Indonesia is ready to be a country that bridges all, towards equal prosperity, and shared peace and the importance of good governance and strong institutions.
It is known that the 19th PUIC Conference carries the theme “Good Governance and Strong Institutions as Pillars of Resilience”. Mardani explained that with good governance and strong institutions, OIC countries no longer need to depend on other countries. This is in line with the conference theme which emphasizes the importance of internal development to achieve independence and sovereignty.
In a bilateral meeting between the BKSAP DPR RI and the Turkish Parliamentary Delegation, which was part of the 19th PUIC Conference series, Mardani encouraged increased strategic cooperation between Indonesia and Turkey in the fields of defense and economy. In the meeting, Mardani expressed his enthusiasm for the productive dialogue with a member of the Turkish Parliament who is also from the Defense Commission, Professor Abdurrahman Dusak. He raised how defense cooperation between Indonesia and Turkey could be more optimal.
One of the main topics discussed was the potential for further collaboration in the development of defense technology, especially drones. So far, Turkey has been known as a country that exports drones to Indonesia. Mardani also highlighted the possibility of deeper cooperation through a joint venture scheme.
In addition to the defense sector, economic and trade issues are also important discussions. Mardani expressed his hope that the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Indonesia and Turkey can be completed and signed in the near future. He added that conveniences such as visa-free regimes and the elimination of trade barriers are important keys to strengthening relations between the two countries. Mardani emphasized that the potential for cooperation between Indonesia and Turkey is still very large and wide open, both in the strategic industry and general trade sectors.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chairman of the BKSAP DPR RI, Ravindra Airlangga, highlighted the low level of trade between OIC member countries and called for the need for concrete efforts to increase economic integration and environmental sustainability. He conveyed this at the 11th Meeting of the Specialized Standing Committee on Economic Affairs and the Environment, part of the 19th PUIC Conference series.
Ravindra expressed his concern over the stagnation of intra-OIC trade which has remained at 19 percent since 2019, far below regions such as the European Union (60 percent) and ASEAN (25 percent). According to him, the portion of trade between OIC countries has stagnated since 2019. Meanwhile, in the EU it has reached 60 percent and ASEAN 25 percent. He also encouraged an increase in intra-OIC trade so that Indonesia’s great potential does not continue to lag behind.
To answer this challenge, Ravindra emphasized the need to create startup incubators in OIC countries, considering that more than 20 percent of the world’s young population is in this region. He believes that the younger generation has a strategic role in boosting innovation, strengthening the digital economy, and increasing regional competitiveness.
On the other hand, Ravindra also highlighted the importance of commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He said that the world as a whole has only reached 17 percent of the 2030 SDG target, so OIC countries need to strengthen collective steps in accelerating its achievement.
The 19th PUIC Conference produced an important declaration known as the Jakarta Declaration. The Jakarta Declaration contains agreements and joint commitments from the parliaments of OIC member countries. The contents of the declaration cover various important issues related to good governance, institutional strengthening, and efforts to improve the resilience and welfare of communities in OIC member countries. Details of the contents of the Jakarta Declaration will be published after the official conference ends and the document is ratified.