Badung, InfoPublik - The Indonesian Parliament has a strategic role due to its long history of efforts to strengthen partnership with countries in the African region.

This was stated by the Chairperson of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPR RI), Puan Maharani when opening the 2024 Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum (IAPF) at the Grand Hyatt Bali, Sunday (1/9/2024).

"While the government played a dominant role in fostering Asia-Africa cooperation in 1955, in 2024, parliaments have become a crucial factor in strengthening the relationship between the two continents," said Puan Maharani.

It is said that the government no longer acts unilaterally but must now consult with parliament to reach a consensus on international cooperation.

Puan also emphasized the importance of building partnerships between parliaments to expand relations between Africa and Indonesia to become more inclusive. "Parliament is the people's representative, which can encourage and synergize with the government in strengthening international cooperation, especially between developing countries," explained Puan.

"Puan Maharani expressed hope that the Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum 2024 would enhance relations between African nations and Indonesia. The forum, themed 'Strengthening Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Partnership for Development', is expected to benefit the people of both regions in addressing the challenges of global dynamics and contribute to peace and prosperity."

In this forum, Indonesia and African nations will map out future cooperation in various fields of mutual interest. Notably, Africa has already developed Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, a blueprint for transforming Africa into a major global power in the future.

Indonesia is certainly ready to be a partner to Africa, considering Indonesia's potential to become the fourth largest economy in the world by 2050," said Puan.

There are several key sectors that can be the focus of cooperation, including the development of renewable energy, enhancement of food security, and digital economic development. Additionally, cooperation in increasing women's participation in the economic and political sectors is also a priority, considering the significant role of women in community development.

"The relationship between Africa and Indonesia is not only rooted in history but also about exploring future cooperation opportunities," said Puan, emphasizing that the relationship between the two regions must be built on mutual respect, appreciation for diversity, and equality.

IAPF 2024 will consist of three discussion sessions discussing various important topics, such as South-South cooperation for prosperity and sustainable development, building resilient communities through health and food security initiatives, and harnessing trade and investment potential for inclusive economic growth.

This forum is taking place as part of a series of events, including the 2024 High-Level Forum on Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships (HLF MSP) and the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF), which are being held from September 1st to 3rd, 2024.

The opening of the IAPF session was also attended by a number of high-ranking officials, including Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, Deputy Chair of the Indonesian House of Representatives Lodewijk Freidrich Paulus, Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives' Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKSAP) Fadli Zon, Acting Governor of Bali Sang Made Mahendra Jaya, and MPs from African countries.

With the presence of these leaders and policymakers, it is hoped that this forum will serve as a significant milestone in strengthening the role of the Indonesian Parliament on the international stage, particularly in building strategic partnerships with Africa to achieve sustainable and inclusive development goals.