Indonesia and Papua New Guinea Forge Parliamentary Cooperation Agreement

Indonesia and Papua New Guinea have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on parliamentary cooperation to promote dialogue and collaboration on various issues, including economic and border cooperation. The agreement reflects Indonesia’s diplomatic strategy in the Pacific region as both countries ensure continuous collaboration following political transitions.

During a recent meeting at the Parliamentary Complex in Jakarta, Indonesia, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on parliamentary cooperation with Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) parliament speaker, Joseph Pomat. Maharani stated that this agreement aims to enhance political dialogue between the two nations’ assemblies, allowing them to address common interests such as parliamentary collaboration, economic partnerships, and border management. Emphasizing the significance of maintaining peace and cooperation between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, Maharani noted that the DPR has consistently fostered cordial relations with the Melanesian country, which is regarded as a critical partner within the Pacific region. She stated, “This meeting reflects Indonesia’s balanced diplomatic approach, which pays equal attention to our neighbors in the east rather than being fixated on competition among great powers.” Despite being in the concluding phase of the 2019-2024 legislative period, the DPR demonstrated its enthusiasm for this collaboration by inviting Pomat to formalize the MoU. Maharani assured that both parliaments would sustain their strong relationship even amid the upcoming transition following the elections. Pomat expressed support for the incoming administration of President-elect Prabowo Subianto, who will assume office on October 20, 2024. Deputy Speaker for Political and Security Affairs, Lodewijk F. Paulus, and Deputy Speaker of the DPR’s Commission, Utut Adianto, also participated in this significant bilateral meeting.

The signing of the MoU between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea symbolizes a commitment to enhancing collaborative efforts in various sectors, reflecting the strategic importance of their relationship in the Pacific region. As both countries share overlapping interests in economic cooperation and border management, such diplomatic engagements are vital for fostering stability. This initiative aligns with Indonesia’s broader diplomatic strategy to prioritize regional partnerships over competition among larger global powers, highlighting the significance of bilateral relations with neighboring countries.

In conclusion, the MoU on parliamentary cooperation between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea marks a significant step towards strengthening diplomatic ties and fostering collaborative dialogue on mutual concerns. Indonesia’s proactive approach to maintaining harmonious relationships in the Pacific, particularly with PNG, underlines its commitment to peaceful coexistence and regional stability, particularly as it prepares for political transitions in the near future.

Original Source: en.antaranews.com