Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Puan Maharani, opening the Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum (IAPF) 2024 in Bali on Sunday (1 September 2024). The Indonesian Parliament has a strategic role because of its long history of strengthening cooperation with countries in the African region. (Amiriyandi/Infopublik)
Badung, 1 September 2024 – The Indonesian Parliament plays a strategic role considering its long history in strengthening cooperation with countries in the African region.
It was stated by the Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Puan Maharani when opening the Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum (IAPF) 2024 at the Grand Hyatt Bali, on Sunday (1/9/2024).
"In 1955, the government played a dominant role in encouraging Asian-African cooperation, now in 2024, the parliament becomes an important factor in strengthening relations between the two continents," said Puan Maharani.
According to Puan, today, the government no longer acts alone, it needs to consult with the parliament in working towards any agreement within international cooperation.
Puan also emphasized the importance of building parliamentary partnerships to promote more inclusive relations between Africa and Indonesia. "The 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 expected that the Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum 2024 could improve relations between African countries and Indonesia. The forum with the theme "Strengthening the Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Partnership for Development" will provide benefits to people in both regions in responding to the global dynamics and challenges, as well as contributing to peace and prosperity.
In this forum, Indonesia and African countries will map out future cooperation in various fields of common interest. Moreover, Africa has ‘Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want’, a blueprint and master plan for transforming Africa into the global powerhouse of the future.
"Indonesia is ready to partner with Africa, considering Indonesia's potential, which is projected to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2050," said Puan.
Several key sectors serve as the focus for cooperation between the two regions, including developing renewable energy, strengthening food security, and developing a digital economy. In addition, increasing women's participation in the economic and political sectors, considering the significant role of women in community development.
"The relationship between Africa and Indonesia is not only rooted in history, but also about how we can explore opportunities for future cooperation," said Puan, emphasizing that the relations between the two regions must be built on mutual respect, valuing diversity, and equality.
Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives with members of parliament from African countries at the opening of the Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum (IAPF) 2024 in Bali on Sunday (1 September 2024). (Amiriyandi/Infopublik)
The IAPF 2024 consists of three discussion sessions covering many important topics, such as South-South cooperation for prosperity and sustainable development, building resilient communities through health and food security initiatives, and leveraging trade and investment potential for inclusive economic growth.
This forum is held as part of the High-Level Forum on Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships (HLF MSP) 2024 and the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF), which was held on 1--3 September 2024.
The opening of the IAPF session was also attended by several high-ranking officials, including Indonesian Minister for Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives Lodewijk Freidrich Paulus, Chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKSAP) of the Indonesian House of Representatives Fadli Zon, Acting Governor of Bali Sang Made Mahendra Jaya, and members of parliaments from African countries.
With the presence of these leaders and policymakers, it is hoped that this forum can bring significant momentum in strengthening the role of the Indonesian parliament in the international arena, especially in building strategic partnerships with Africa to achieve sustainable and inclusive development goals. (Johnric/TR/Elvira Inda Sari/WS)/PR.
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