Indonesia highlights environmental commitment at PUIC session

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability with the plastic-free policy at the 19th Session of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC) Conference in Jakarta.

DPR Secretary General Indra Iskandar stated here on Monday that the policy is not merely a symbolic step but represents a firm stance of the Indonesian parliament.

He explained that the DPR speaker had emphasized Indonesia's intention to pioneer and demonstrate its commitment to environmental issues at the 19th PUIC session. As a result, no plastic cups or bottles were used.

"We gave all delegates tumblers, and they could refill water if they wanted to drink. This is a commitment that we showed," he remarked.

He affirmed that this step is a tangible expression of DPR's environmental awareness, aligning with this year's conference theme, "Good Governance and Strong Institutions as Pillars of Resilience," which also encompasses the concern of a green environment.

Delegates responded positively to the policy, appreciating Indonesia's concrete steps to reduce plastic waste and promote an environmentally friendly lifestyle at the international diplomacy level.

Iskandar further noted that the initiative is also part of the Indonesian parliament's efforts to set an example of implementing sustainable practices at international forums, encouraging other countries to adopt similar measures while organizing international-scale events.

Indonesia is hosting the 19th Session of the PUIC Conference at the Parliamentary Complex, Jakarta, on May 12-15, with around 500 participants expected from OIC countries, including observer countries.

Earlier, DPR Speaker Puan Maharani underlined that hosting the conference is a strategic momentum for Indonesia to reaffirm its role as a driver of diplomacy for the Muslim world, which is democratic, inclusive, and solution-oriented.