In his opening remarks, Dr. Marzuki Alie, the Head of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) and the President of AIPA (2011-2012), shared AIPA`s agenda to be performed during his presidency.
AIPA seeks to enhance its contribution in building an ASEAN Community 2015; foster a visionary, intensive, cooperative, and effective engagement between AIPA and ASEAN; and strengthen AIPA`s relationship with the peoples of ASEAN.
Speaking of ASEAN`s efforts "Towards an ASEAN Community 2015," ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General Bagas Hapsoro, one of the seminar`s speakers, explained how ASEAN would achieve the tasks set out in ASEAN Community 2015.
He also briefed his audience on current challenges confronting the region, challenges posed for each of the three pillars of the ASEAN Community, and how these challenges can be addressed.
Bagas highlighted the active role of all ASEAN stakeholders, particularly AIPA as parliamentarians and partners of the government in ensuring the successful realisation of the aims and purposes of the ASEAN Charter and the ASEAN Community 2015 as a people-centered community.
Also, Foster Gultom, the Secretary to the Indonesian foreign affairs ministry`s Directorate General for ASEAN Cooperation, outlined policies that have been implemented by the Indonesian Government towards achieving the ASEAN Community 2015.
The seminar was attended by, among others, members of the Indonesian Parliament, ambassadors to Indonesia and to ASEAN, as well as lecturers and students from the University of Indonesia, Gadjah Mada University, Prof. Dr. Moestopo University, and the Institute of Social and Political Sciences.(*)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
