The second Indonesia-Pacific Parliamentary Partnership (IPPP) meeting was recently held in Jakarta, Indonesia, aiming to enhance parliamentary diplomacy within the Pacific region.
The IPPP is a strategic initiative aimed at improving communication and collaboration between Indonesia’s House of Representatives and the parliaments of Pacific countries, focusing on high-priority areas like trade, investment, the economy, and maritime and land-sea connectivity.
Given Indonesia’s status as the world’s fourth-most populous nation and the third-largest democracy, along with its proximity to the Pacific, this initiative represents a valuable opportunity for capacity building in Fiji and other Pacific nations. It allows for cooperation with a development partner that shares similar modernization values while preserving cultural identities.
Indonesia’s success in economic growth serves as a model that Fiji can adapt to facilitate regional connectivity and collaboration. The key focus is on supporting inclusive and environmentally friendly growth.
The 2nd IPPP session included parliamentary leaders and members from 12 countries, one territory, and one international organization. The meeting’s main goals were to reconnect and strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation, explore tangible outcomes for enhanced regional connectivity, and promote sustainable and inclusive development. Critical issues discussed included climate change, economic development, and cultural exchange.
The IPPP aims to build a more connected and prosperous Pacific region, driven by collaborative efforts and shared values. The continuation from the first to the second IPPP meeting emphasizes a growing commitment to address regional challenges collectively and leverage the Pacific Ocean’s potential for the benefit of all bordering nations.
Indonesia acts as an intermediary, providing a platform for Pacific island leaders to discuss and collaborate on policy enhancements. This approach, without any strings attached, sets a remarkable precedent for other nations. Mutual respect and shared goals characterize Indonesia’s commitment to fostering regional cooperation and development.
Key points discussed at the IPPP include:
1. **Unity Through the Ocean:** Strengthening diplomatic and political ties through shared cultural similarities.
2. **Addressing Regional Issues:** Collaboration on challenges such as economic uncertainties, climate change, ocean degradation, natural disasters, food security, and maritime security.
3. **Parliamentary Diplomacy:** Highlighting the importance of creating a more equitable, resilient, and prosperous future through cooperation.
4. **Environmental Concerns:** Addressing ocean and marine biodiversity degradation, marine debris, pollution, and unsustainable exploitation.
5. **Cultural and Educational Exchange:** Promoting closer interactions through educational and cultural exchanges.
6. **South-South Cooperation:** Exploring opportunities for cooperation focused on sustainable development through sharing experiences and best practices.
7. **Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):** Commitment to achieving SDGs and promoting the sustainable use of ocean resources, blue economy, and empowering women and youth in maritime sectors.
8. **Climate Change Mitigation:** Cooperation on climate change mitigation and effective climate financing.
9. **Economic Growth:** Boosting economic growth through trade, investment, and business partnerships.
10. **Key Development Areas:** Cooperation in human resources, education, culture, and tourism to support regional prosperity.
11. **Future Commitment:** Ensuring that the commitments made during the meeting are followed through, and the meeting’s summary shared with respective governments.
12. **IPPP Platform Utilisation:** Continual use of the IPPP as a key engagement platform, aspiring to evolve it into a more formal and sustained parliamentary assembly.
13. **Strengthening Parliamentary Cooperation:** Enhancing cooperation in capacity building, legislative drafting, technology innovation, and information exchange.
14. **Commendation and Future Meetings:** Appreciation for Indonesia’s efforts in organizing the event and an eagerness for future IPPP meetings.
The participants expressed their commitment to the discussed initiatives and looked forward to future collaboration and progress in subsequent IPPP meetings.
ARNOLD CHANEL is an investor and business executive with significant tech expertise. His views are personal and not reflective of this newspaper.