44th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly gathers in Jakarta: spotlight on vital regional challenges

INDONESIA: The 44th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) is currently taking place in Jakarta from 5 to 10 August.

Representatives from the 10 ASEAN member nations and 23 observer countries, including Australia, China, Canada, the European Parliament, South Korea, Ukraine, and the United States, are in attendance at the event.

Additionally, several international organizations, such as UN Women, FAO, PCAsia, ICCF, the Freeland Foundation, and ERIA, are also participating in the assembly.

The AIPA General Assembly will cover a range of significant topics, including discussions on gender equality within the women’s committee, engagement of youth in the youth committee, as well as deliberations on political, economic, and social issues.

Furthermore, the assembly will address internal matters within AIPA and shine a spotlight on concerns related to the palm oil and nickel industries, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the situation in Myanmar, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the promotion of a green economy.

Putu Supadma Rudana, Vice Chairman of the Regional Cooperation Desk of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Body 0f the Indonesian House of Representatives (BKSAP DPR RI)

“Responsive Parliament for a Stable and Prosperous ASEAN”

Putu Supadma Rudana, Vice Chairman of the Regional Cooperation Desk of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Body 0f the Indonesian House of Representatives (BKSAP DPR RI), emphasized the need for ASEAN to be a dominant force in the Asia-Pacific and global regions.

The theme of the 44th AIPA General Assembly, “Responsive Parliament for a Stable and Prosperous ASEAN,” will emphasize the concept of a green economy.

Rudana stressed that the world tends to focus solely on high economic growth as the sole positive measure, using GDP (gross domestic product) as the single reference point.

He encouraged the establishment of an ASEAN Parliament to strengthen ASEAN’s interests parliamentary and unite Southeast Asian countries into an ASEAN family. He believes that an ASEAN Parliament would collectively safeguard their interests and potential.

Regarding Myanmar’s situation, Rudana mentioned the importance of implementing the five-point consensus proposed by Indonesia to address the challenges faced by the country’s democracy.

The consensus includes an end to violence and conflicts, a return to peace, mediation by a special envoy, protection of human rights, and ASEAN’s involvement in Myanmar’s democratization process.

Indonesia’s vision for ASEAN stability and success

In addition, Putu Supadma Rudana also stated that the parliament will encourage the Indonesian government to take out-of-the-box measures in safeguarding the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.

“The parliament must be responsive in providing inspiration to the government to undertake innovative actions and maintain stability in a region that faces numerous challenges and obstacles,” he said.

Furthermore, Rudana expressed the need for Indonesia to play a leading role in ASEAN and act as a “big brother” in the region.

Moreover, there are many major powers that want to enter this region.

“But if the ASEAN countries remain united and strong, the region will undoubtedly be stable,” he said during the finalization meeting regarding the organization of the 44th AIPA General Assembly with the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bogor Regency, West Java, on last Thursday (3 Aug).

He believes that a united and strong ASEAN will contribute to regional stability and thwart external influences that may threaten the region’s cohesion.

As the host country for the AIPA General Assembly, Indonesia aims for the event to be successful and beneficial to both Indonesia and the ASEAN region.

The assembly is an opportunity for Indonesia to showcase its leadership as the Chair of ASEAN in 2023 and demonstrate its capability to handle international events efficiently and productively.

“We see this (44th AIPA General Assembly) as Indonesia’s moment to demonstrate its role as the Chair (of ASEAN 2023). We must ensure that the implementation of this AIPA General Assembly is exemplary,” said Putu in his written statement on Friday (4 Aug).

Puan Maharani, the Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI)

Nurturing diplomacy and collaboration

Puan Maharani, the Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), emphasized the strategic role of the AIPA General Assembly in reducing geopolitical tensions in the ASEAN region.

She assured that the DPR would be a gracious host, aiming to strengthen Indonesia’s reputation on the global stage and demonstrate the country’s warmth and hospitality.

The 44th AIPA General Assembly is expected to yield valuable policy concepts that will benefit both Indonesia and the ASEAN region. Besides focusing on economic growth, the assembly will also prioritize green economy initiatives, ensuring the inclusion and well-being of all citizens, particularly women and youth across ASEAN.

Overall, the AIPA General Assembly in Jakarta is poised to be a platform for discussing crucial regional and global issues, forging collaboration, and further strengthening ASEAN’s position in the international community.