Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — There was something notable about the 19th Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC), held at the Parliamentary Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, from May 12 to 15, 2025.
Amid various diplomatic and intergovernmental cooperation agendas, the Indonesian Parliament also highlighted its commitment to environmental sustainability—one of which was the implementation of a plastic-free policy throughout the conference.
Delegates from OIC member countries attending the conference at the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) found no single-use plastic bottles or cups anywhere in the venue.
Instead, participants were provided with reusable tumblers, which they could refill at multiple water stations set up by the organizers.
This initiative was a tangible expression of the environmental awareness championed by the DPR RI, aligning with this year’s conference theme: “Good Governance and Strong Institutions as Pillars of Resilience,” which also included the green environment as a key element of sustainable governance.
Secretary General of the DPR RI, Indra Iskandar, emphasized that this step was more than just symbolic—it was a firm stance taken by the Indonesian Parliament.
“The leadership of the DPR has made it clear that at this 19th PUIC meeting, we want to pioneer and demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental issues. Therefore, no plastic cups or bottles are allowed.
All delegates received a tumbler and can refill their water whenever they need. This is a commitment we are showing directly to all Islamic parliaments present in Jakarta,” Indra stated at Nusantara Building in an official release on Monday (May 12, 2025).
This policy was positively received by the delegates, who appreciated Indonesia’s concrete efforts to reduce plastic waste and promote eco-friendly lifestyles at the level of international diplomacy.
The initiative is also part of the Indonesian Parliament’s efforts to make international forums a model for implementing sustainable practices—an example that other countries can adopt in organizing global-scale events.
