PUIC 2025 Agrees on Strengthening Defense Technology to Global Solidarity

By: Astrid Widia

The 19th Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC) held at the Nusantara Building, Jakarta, is not just an annual diplomatic agenda. More than that, this forum reflects how inter-parliamentary diplomacy can become a collective force for the Islamic world to build solidarity, technology, and humanity simultaneously.
The Chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKSAP) of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Mardani Ali Sera, emphasized the importance of more substantial cooperation between the two countries, especially in the defense technology sector. He said that the potential for collaboration in developing drones was the main focus in the bilateral meeting with a member of the Turkish Parliament, Professor Abdurrahman Dusak.
Currently, Turkey is known as a country producing high-tech drones, and Indonesia has become one of the countries importing these products. However, Mardani highlighted the opportunity for more progressive cooperation, namely through a joint venture scheme to develop a new generation of drones. He said that the Ministry of Defense’s move to form a special drone division is a strong signal that Indonesia is serious about building independence in defense technology.
This step not only shows Indonesia’s readiness as a technology user, but also as an innovative partner capable of producing joint technological solutions. In the context of the vulnerable geopolitics of the Islamic world, this kind of defense cooperation can be a form of strategic protection that is not only based on military strength, but also strengthening collective capacity.
In addition to defense, the economic sector is an important concern. Mardani hopes that the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Indonesia and Turkey can be signed soon. According to him, the completion of the FTA will pave the way for smoother economic integration, including the elimination of tariff barriers and visa-free regimes.
This hope is not without reason. Indonesia and Turkey are the two largest Muslim countries with great economic potential and complement each other. When import duty barriers and customs procedures are simplified, trade flows will become more efficient, accelerating the growth of strategic sectors and strengthening the role of the Islamic world in the global economy.
The 19th PUIC also did not merely discuss economic and defense issues. An equally important agenda is humanity, especially related to the conflicts that have befallen the Palestinian and Kashmiri people. In the 12th Conference of Muslim Women Parliamentarians, BKSAP member of the Indonesian House of Representatives Melly Goeslaw voiced deep concern over the humanitarian tragedy that occurred in the two regions.
Melly reminded that women and children are always the most vulnerable groups in every armed conflict. In her speech, she cited United Nations data stating that more than 15 thousand children and more than 8 thousand women have become victims since the last escalation in Gaza. Melly’s voice represents the conscience of the Indonesian nation which is always on the side of civilian victims and humanity.
Her statement about the condition of the Indonesian Hospital in Gaza which was severely damaged by the attack is a symbol of how fragile the humanitarian infrastructure is in conflict areas. In such conditions, Indonesia chooses not to remain silent. Melly emphasized Indonesia’s commitment to advocating for a ceasefire, opening access for humanitarian aid without obstacles, and sending medical ships to conflict areas.
Indonesia’s stance not only strengthens its diplomatic position in the Islamic world, but also reflects the character of Indonesia’s foreign policy which is free, active and oriented towards peace. This commitment also confirms that parliamentary diplomacy is not merely symbolic, but can produce concrete steps to promote international justice and solidarity.
At a time when many Muslim countries are trapped in internal conflicts or mutual suspicion, the 19th PUIC has become a stage that proves that inter-parliamentary dialogue can bridge differences and produce collective solutions. This forum is a strategic space to build political communication, formulate understandings, and consolidate joint strength, both in the fields of defense, economy, and humanity.
Indonesia’s success in facilitating this meeting also reflects the capacity of mature parliamentary diplomacy. The Indonesian delegation not only spoke, but also offered real solutions, FTA settlements, and humanitarian advocacy. This proves that the power of diplomacy is not always in the hands of the executive, but can also grow strong in the legislative realm.
Therefore, it is important to maintain the spirit and results of the 19th PUIC so that it does not stop at the final document and forum speeches alone.