The Indonesia Pacific Parliamentary Partnership (IPPP) was held in Jakarta, Indonesia on 23-24 July 2018.  The first-ever meeting of the House of the Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia and the parliaments of the Pacific countries aimed to strengthen cooperation and partnership among neighbours in the Pacific as we face common geographical and global challenges of this century. This cooperation  and partnership  is based on the principles of respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of States, as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.

The meeting of the Parliamentarians from the Republic of Indonesia, the Cook Islands, the Republic of Fiji, the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Nauru, the Republic of Palau, the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, the Independent State of Samoa, the Solomon Islands, the Kingdom of Tonga, Tuvalu, French Polynesia (France), and New Caledonia (France) recognised the strong historic relations that the peoples possessed as well as the opportunity to deepen people to people relations.

The IPPP meeting dedicated their discussions to address three issues, namely i). Building Partnership for Future Development; ii). Parliamentary Drives to Promote Potential of Blue Economy to Ensure Sustainable Development of Marine Resources; and iii). Human Capital Development as a New Driving Force for Economic Growth in Indonesia-Pacific Partnership.

After constructive discussion, the participants of IPPP conveyed their common views as followed:

1. Reaffirmed their shared conviction on the importance of enhancing regional connectivity to boost the region’s economic growth, promote cooperation and regional integration, while upholding the principle of non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. Agreed to advance their economies, to boost trade between countries and unlock more economic opportunities through a strong link between businesses to further understand economic potential of the region.
2. They also recognized  the various capacity building programs delivered by Indonesia to countries in the Pacific and welcomed Indonesia’s commitment to increase support in terms of technical assistance and capacity building programs as part of inter-parliamentary cooperation.
3. Acknowledged the ocean as common identity, that is critical to the shared future and common humanity in all its diversity. They reaffirmed their commitment to conserve and the sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development as their global commons. They expressed concern with the marine pollution of all kinds, including marine debris, plastics and micro plastics, nutrient pollution, untreated wastewater and others, and further called for concerted actions that can reduce marine litter from land-based activities. 
4. Were very alarmed by the adverse impact of climate change on the ocean, and towards the people in developing countries. They recognised the crucial importance of Paris Agreement adopted under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and urged all participants to take greater action in providing the necessary support to implement the agreement.
5. They also conveyed their grave concern on the increasing risks of overfishing and unsustainable use of natural resources despite worldwide efforts to promote sustainable fishing. Therefore, they shared their views that Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing needs to be deterred and eliminated to ensure the sustainability of the ocean.
6. Provided a particular focus to the development of women in the region; they appreciated progresses that have been made by Indonesia and Pacific Islands countries in terms of women representation in politics and decision making as well as the fulfilment and enjoyment of their rights. Further committed to promote actions to empower more women to be at the centre of development.
7. Reaffirmed the paramount importance of promoting quality education and health for the people and committed to allocating the necessary supports.

The Way Forward

1. We, the Parliamentarians, expressed our commitment for future engagements and agreed to explore new initiatives on inter-parliamentary cooperation programs, including through more technical assistance for parliamentary supports, workshop/seminars and other programs aimed to strengthen dialogue between Indonesia and Pacific Islands countries.
2. The Participants of IPPP conveyed their appreciation to the Indonesian House of Representatives for organising this historic event.

Jakarta, 23 July 2018