PARLEMENTARIA, Jakarta - The House of Representatives of Republic of Indonesia will hold its chairmanship in Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC) until next year, despite the conclusion of the 19^th PUIC Conference.  The House’s continued leadership strengthens Indonesia’s position within the Islamic world, particularly in advocating for Palestinian issues. 

”The House’s chairmanship in highlights Indonesia’s key role in the Islamic world,” said the Vice Chairperson of the House  Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation, Irine Yustiana Roba Putri, Jakarta, Saturday (17/5/2025).

“It means that Indonesia plays significant role in responding global issues faced by other OIC member countries,” she added

The House successfully hosted the Conference of 19^th PUIC which gathers the OIC member countries, including their parliamentary leaders. As part of its chairmanship, the House Speaker, Dr. (H.C.) Puan Maharani was officially appointed as the President of the 19^th PUIC.

Irine noted the House’s chairmanship in parliamentary forum of OIC provides Indonesia with a broader platform to play  a more active role in addressing critical issues  affecting the Muslim world, including the ongoing protracted conflict in Palestine. The Speaker’s role as PUIC President is not merely a prestigious title but rather a position of authority and responsibility.

The chairmanship, she added has allowed Indonesia to advocate for conflict resolution more effectively, including encouraging OIC countries to unite in the fight for Palestine's freedom.

“This chairmanship has a significant impact as it allows Indonesia to take a more active role in guiding conflict resolution in Palestine and other regions involving our Muslim brothers and sisters,” explained the politician from the Indonesian Democratic Party for Struggle (PDIP).

The role of Indonesia in fighting for the freedom of Palestine will gain global recognition. Irine asserted that Indonesia's effort received a direct appreciation from Palestine.

“Palestine believes that Indonesia is a true partner in struggle. Palestine feels that Indonesia never left it behind and keeps fighting for its freedom,” said the legislator from North Maluku Constituency.

Irine noted that this sentiment was also evident in bilateral meeting between Speaker Puan and delegation of Palestine on the sidelines of the PUIC forum held in Parliamentary Complex, Jakarta. During the meeting, the delegation expressed its gratitude to Indonesia for consistently supporting Palestine since the era of President Soekarno until now.

During the meeting, Puan also reiterated that Indonesia firmly stands with Palestine because as it is a constitutional mandate enshrined in 1945 Constitution.

“As the chair of PUIC, Indonesia gains greater values and bargaining power. Either in Palestine’s issues or the other global issues,” explained Irine

Under Indonesia’s chairmanship, the PUIC forum is expected to become more solid and vocal on global issues. Irine noted that OIC countries have not been sufficiently unified due to a lack of solidarity and that Indonesia seeks to amplify PUIC’s voice on international stage.

“Under Indonesia’s chairmanship, we are committed to making the OIC a strong voice for the freedom of Palestine,” said Irine

"The struggle for Palestinian independence is not only part of Indonesia's foreign policy; as our House Speaker has stated, it is also a constitutional mandate," concluded Irine.