"The main purpose of AIPA, politically, is to promote regional stability and surely to ensure peace will be maintained in the future," BKSAP's deputy chair, Putu Supadma Rudana, stated at the Parliament Complex here on Friday (July 21).
Speaking at the "Responsive Parliament for a Stable and Prosperous ASEAN" discussion agenda, the legislator emphasized that the ASEAN parliaments should be responsive to address common issues.
"Hence, we will not need major powers to come and intervene in our issues in ASEAN. We should be able to independently address all issues and challenges in ASEAN," Supadma stated.
At the 44th AIPA General Assembly, hosted by Indonesia's parliament in August 2023, Supadma drew attention to the three key words of responsiveness, stability, and prosperity.
Through AIPA, Indonesia will exert its influence on parliaments in ASEAN countries to promote the realization of regional stability through mutual assistance, he affirmed.
"ASEAN first, the family of ASEAN should be our priority rather than affiliating with major powers outside ASEAN. Their first and foremost solidarity should be with ASEAN," he emphasized.
"Moreover, Indonesia is also the big brother of ASEAN countries," he stated.
Supadma also expressed hope that the AIPA General Assembly would encourage the growth of the ASEAN economy and transition to the green economy to realize regional prosperity.
Speaking in connection with attendance, the BKSAP member said that Myanmar will not be invited to the agenda, as the country is yet to adhere to the ASEAN's Five-point Consensus to address their internal conflict.
Meanwhile, Timor-Leste will attend the general assembly as an observer, he remarked.
"At present, Timor-Leste remains an observer in AIPA because they should apply for AIPA membership first," Supadma stated.
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Translator: Melalusa Susthira, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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