President Joko Widodo delivers an opening remark at the 2nd Meeting of the Indonesia-Pacific Parliamentary Partnership (IPPP) at Fairmont Hotel, Jakarta (07/25). (Photo: PR of Cabinet Secretariat/Rahmat)
The Indonesia-Pacific Parliamentary Partnership (IPPP) is monumental in facing current global challenges, according to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.
“I highly appreciate the Indonesia-Pacific Parliamentary Partnership as a strategic initiative to strengthen partnerships in the Pacific,” he said in his opening remarks at the 2nd Meeting of the IPPP at Fairmont Hotel in Jakarta (07/25).
The President stated it is increasingly critical to strengthen the partnership in the face of difficult challenges.
“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,” he said while pointing out that there are at least three important sectors that must be focused on.
Addressing climate change as the first sector, President Jokowi underscored that the sea level rise, which the UN estimated would increase by one meter by 2100, is a major threat to the region.
“Thus, we need to strengthen parliamentary advocacy to mitigate it by adapting policies and enhancing infrastructure and environmental cooperation,” he said, adding that the region has great potential in the blue economy, which is the second sector.
“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, to collaborate in law enforcement, and to conserve marine resources,” he said.
As for human capital development, the third sector, President Jokowi stressed the importance of providing inclusive education and training, including for women and the youth to boost productivity and innovation.
“Therefore, we need the parliament to formulate regulations to support people-to-people cooperation, facilitate knowledge sharing and experience sharing to all elements of society,” he said while expressing hope that the partnership can be maintained with trust and respect for each country’s sovereignty and integrity.
“Let us strengthen the spirit of fraternity, trust, and 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,” he remarked. (ECH/ABD) (DH/LW)
