Indonesia-Portugal Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Strengthens Ties: House

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia’s House of Representatives (DPR) is pushing to boost Indonesia-Portugal bilateral relations by expanding cooperation in various areas, including the economy, maritime affairs, education, and parliamentary relations. Strengthening these ties is considered important to broaden opportunities for cooperation while bringing the two countries closer together.

Nurul Arifin, a member of the House, made the statement after receiving a courtesy call from Portuguese Ambassador to Indonesia, Maria Gabriela Vieira Soares de Albergaria, at the Parliament Complex in Jakarta on Monday, September 7, 2026. Nurul said the meeting discussed potential areas of cooperation between Indonesia and Portugal, including economic ties and the historical context of relations between the two countries.

Portugal’s connection with Indonesia is also reflected in the background of Ambassador Albergaria, who was born in Dili. It is the capital of Timor-Leste, which was part of Indonesia in the late 20th century.

"We just discussed relations between the two countries, as well as bilateral and economic relations, what areas we can cooperate in, and also the historical context of the past," Nurul said, as quoted by dpr.go.id.

Beyond bilateral cooperation, Nurul said parliamentary relations could serve as a strategic channel for deepening ties between Indonesia and Portugal. She said communication between the two countries' legislatures could create space for political dialogue while strengthening existing cooperation.

“Through inter-parliamentary relations, there can also be cooperation between the two countries, so that it can be further deepened and there can be political dialogues as well,” she conveyed.

The meeting also covered the maritime sector, particularly the presence of Indonesian crew members working aboard vessels in Portugal. In education, the discussion included Indonesian students pursuing studies in Portugal, particularly in fields such as engineering and law.

Nurul expressed hope that the meeting would further strengthen relations between Indonesia and Portugal. She acknowledged that the geographical distance between the two countries was one challenge to increasing bilateral relations, given the considerable travel time required between Indonesia and Portugal.

Nevertheless, she said geographical distance should not be a barrier to expanding cooperation. According to her, Indonesia should continue building friendly relations with countries worldwide as part of efforts to strengthen the country's position in the global community.

“What matters is that, on a global scale, we befriend many countries,” she said.