House Speaker Puan Maharani. Foto : Dok/Andri

Jakarta, July 23, 2024 – Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia, Puan Maharani, has underscored the importance of the Indonesia-Pacific Parliamentary Partnership (IPPP) and maritime cooperation among archipelagic countries for regional stability.

“The House of Representatives is ready to host the second IPPP meeting,” Puan said in a statement to Parlementaria on Tuesday (23/7/2024). She elaborated on the forum's objective to enhance connectivity between the Indonesian House and Pacific parliaments through various forms of cooperation among island nations.

“This forum aims to develop partnership in multiple sectors, including connectivity and maritime affairs, with Pacific countries,” she explained.

The second IPPP meeting will focus on the theme ‘Partnership for Prosperity: Fostering Regional Connectivity and Inclusive Development.’ This theme is expected to bolster stability in the Pacific region.

“This theme can be realized if we transform the Pacific into a peaceful and stable area. Without peace, we cannot achieve inclusive development and enhance connectivity,” Puan emphasized.

The IPPP meeting will cover several key issues, including climate change mitigation, sustainable development, and support for the blue economy and sustainable tourism.

“Indonesia and Pacific countries have much in common as archipelagic countries surrounded by waters and oceans. This forum, which is initiated by the Indonesian House is also intended to facilitate the exchange of experiences and knowledge among Pacific nations,” Puan explained.

She added that the forum symbolizes Indonesia's commitment to building strategic partnership with Pacific countries.

“I hope that the cooperation that has been established since the First Meeting of IPPP in 2018 will continue,” Puan said.

The female Speaker also called on all stakeholders to play their roles in the forum and requested public support for the success of the Second Meeting of IPPP.

“Let us show to the world that Indonesia is ready to be a reliable partner and actively contribute to building a prosperous and sustainable Pacific region,” Puan stated.

During the event, representatives from the Indonesian House will also hold bilateral meetings with leaders and members of Pacific parliaments. Puan is scheduled to meet bilaterally with several Pacific parliamentary leaders, including the Speaker of the Papua New Guinea Parliament.

The IPPP will be held from July 24-26, 2024, in Jakarta. This forum is part of the House's diplomatic initiative to engage with Pacific island parliaments, a region that has been relatively underexplored. (we/aha)