AIPA Caucus Closes with Call for Tangible Implementation of Resolutions for ASEAN Community
The 17th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Caucus concluded in Jakarta on Wednesday, with a firm call for the implementation of resolutions to deliver tangible benefits to the people of Southeast Asia. Syahrul Aidi Maazat, Chair of the Indonesian House of Representatives’ Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation (BKSAP), emphasised that the caucus serves as a strategic bridge between political commitments made at the AIPA General Assembly and their realisation through national policies.
Speaking at the closing ceremony at the Nusantara Building in Senayan, Syahrul expressed appreciation to all AIPA member delegations, observer parliaments, and the AIPA Secretariat for their active contributions. He stated that the caucus is not merely an evaluative forum but a crucial mechanism to ensure that resolutions are translated into legislation, budgeting, and oversight that directly benefit the over 700 million people of ASEAN.
Over the two-day meeting, delegates deliberated on the theme ‘The Role of Parliament in Strengthening ASEAN Centrality in Navigating Complex Global Challenges’. Discussions covered inclusive peace governance and the role of parliaments in bolstering climate action, issues deemed increasingly relevant amidst rising geopolitical conflicts, humanitarian crises, and the impacts of climate change.
Syahrul also highlighted the challenges of global economic uncertainty, trade fragmentation, and financial market volatility. He stressed the importance of maintaining ASEAN centrality, strengthening regional resilience, and advancing strategic issues, including the formulation of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, enhancing food and energy security, and supporting Timor-Leste’s full membership in ASEAN.
BKSAP underscored the vital role of parliaments through their legislative, budgetary, oversight, and diplomatic functions to ensure regional commitments are translated into people-centric national policies. Syahrul expressed confidence that the meeting’s recommendations would further strengthen ASEAN centrality, enhance regional resilience, and support the realisation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which is peaceful, prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable. He concluded by inviting all member parliaments to continue strengthening solidarity and cooperation, and extended his best wishes to the Parliament of Laos as the host of the 18th AIPA Caucus.