Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,

Assalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh,

Good afternoon,

May peace be upon us all,

Om Swastiastu,

Namo buddhaya,

Greetings of virtue.

Distinguished Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR) Dr. Puan Maharani and Vice Speakers of the DPR in attendance, and Fraction Leaders of the DPR,

Distinguished Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly Bambang Soesatyo,

Distinguished Heads of State Institutions,

Distinguished Speakers and Deputy Speakers of Pacific Countries’ Parliaments,

Ministers of the Indonesia Onward Cabinet,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

First of all, let me express a warm welcome to the Speakers and Deputy Speakers of the Parliament of Pacific countries. I highly appreciate the Indonesia-Pacific Parliamentary Partnership as a strategic initiative to strengthen partnerships in the Pacific.

It is imperative to strengthen this partnership, especially since we are all facing great challenges, be it uncertain economic situations, geopolitical tension between superpowers, climate change threats, or other crises. Parliamentary partnership can be used to share experiences, share best practices, and find a solution together because the parliament is the bridge between the people’s aspirations and public policies.

Three important sectors currently require a joint and immediate solution. First, climate change. The UN estimated that the sea level rise would increase by one meter by 2100. This is a major threat to our region so we need to strengthen parliamentary advocacy to mitigate it by adapting policies and enhancing infrastructure and environmental cooperation.

The second is the blue economy, which has great potential in our region. The World Bank pointed out that the sector is likely to contribute up to 10 percent of the GDP if managed sustainably, so we need the parliament to promote regional connectivity, collaborate in law enforcement, and conserve marine resources.

Third, human capital development. [It can be done] through inclusive education and training, including for women and the youth, to boost productivity and innovation. Thus, we need the parliament to formulate regulations to support people-to-people cooperation and facilitate knowledge and experience sharing among all elements of society.

We need to continue to develop cooperation in the Pacific region in harnessing our full potential to improve our people’s wellbeing. Through the parliamentary partnership, let us strengthen the spirit of fraternity, mutual trust, and mutual respect, including for territorial sovereignty and integrity. I am confident that with great collaboration, we can maintain stability and achieve prosperity in the Pacific region.

That concludes my statement. By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I hereby inaugurate the Second Meeting of the Indonesia-Pacific Parliamentary Partnership (IPPP) this morning.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

(DH/LW)