Vice Chairperson of the House Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation, Putu Supadma Rudana. Photo: Jaka/Andri

PARLEMENTARIA, Jakarta - The House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia is set to host the 2nd Indonesia-Pacific Parliamentary Partnership (IPPP) in Jakarta from July 24 to 26, 2024. This event aims to build connectivity and foster cooperation between the Indonesian parliament and the parliaments of Pacific countries.

Putu Supadma Rudana, Vice Chairperson of the Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation (BKSAP) of the Indonesian House, highlighted that the event is not only intended to enhance collaboration but also to support the government's first-track diplomacy efforts.

"Besides the three traditional functions of Parliament, there is another non-traditional function, which is diplomacy and this function is crucial,". Rudana said in a TVR Parlemen broadcast cited by Parlementaria on Monday, July 22, 2024"We aim to enhance cooperation, support the government's first-track diplomacy, and ultimately help Indonesia engage with other nations around the world, including those in the Pacific region." 

According to the Democrat Party politician, Indonesia must utilize the forum established in 2018, especially since engagement with ASEAN parliaments has already been substantial and effective. "However, our engagement with neighbouring countries in the Pacific region has not been maximized," he added. 

Putu further explained that through the 2nd IPPP, the Indonesian Parliament aims to participate in enhancing and accelerating development cooperation. He emphasized the strategic importance of this, given that Indonesia shares a border with Papua New Guinea, one of the key gateways to the Pacific island countries. 

"Papua New Guinea is often seen as a leader among the Pacific countries due to its population size, territory, and the connectivity it has. Many Pacific countries look up to Papua New Guinea, even though they may reach other countries through different routes," Putu concluded. (we/rdn)