I urge the government and the Foreign Affairs Ministry to prioritize the safety of Indonesians staying in Afghanistan, including the Indonesian embassy staff or other Indonesian regular workers thereJakarta (ANTARA) - The House of Representatives' (DPR RI's) Commission I member, Sukamta, has urged Indonesia's government and Foreign Affairs Ministry to prioritize the safety of Indonesians in Afghanistan after the Taliban offensive successfully toppled Afghan leadership earlier this week.
"I urge the government and the Foreign Affairs Ministry to prioritize the safety of Indonesians staying in Afghanistan, including the Indonesian embassy staff or other Indonesian regular workers there," Sukamta stated here on Thursday.
Despite earlier assurance made by the Taliban for the residents' safety, the Indonesian government should not be negligent in protecting Indonesians in Afghanistan. The government should prepare for the evacuation of Indonesians from Afghanistan if necessary or in the event of the situation deteriorating, he remarked.
The legislator noted that the war between Taliban and the US- and NATO-backed Afghan government left several issues to be addressed, particularly on refugees and national stability. He called on the Indonesian government to partake in addressing the issues under the free and active foreign policy.
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"The Foreign Affairs Ministry should play an active part in achieving peace in Afghanistan. The war has killed thousands and resulted in refugees, infrastructure damage, and destruction of the economy, social, and education system of the Afghans," Sukamta pointed out.
He believes that cordial relations between Indonesia and both warring sides in Afghanistan are a good start to initiate peace talks to rebuild the war-torn country. Furthermore, Indonesia already played a strategic role in the past in brokering peace talks and defusing conflicts, he remarked.
"As the de-facto ruler of Afghanistan, the Taliban authority is responsible for restoring peace and rebuilding the war-torn country. Indonesia's government should extend assistance for peace reconciliation and recovery in Afghanistan," Sukamta emphasized.
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Translator: Imam B, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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