Indonesia Needs To Play An Active Role In Taliban-Afghanistan Reconciliation

JAKARTA - The Taliban succeeded in seizing the Afghan government after a two-decade war against government forces backed by the United States (US) and NATO military.

Member of Commission I DPR RI Sukamta reminded the Indonesian government, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to ensure the safety of Indonesian citizens (WNI) in Afghanistan.

"A number of Indonesian citizens were there, both working at the Indonesian Embassy and working in Afghanistan in general. Their safety must be the government's concern," said Sukamta, Thursday, August 19.

This uncertain condition, he continued, was really worrying even though the Taliban had stated that they would not disturb foreigners, one of whom was from Indonesia.

"Although there are security guarantees from the Taliban, it is like the adigium that bullets have no eyes. Indonesian citizens must be aware of and monitor the development of Indonesian citizens, if necessary and possible, immediate evacuation is carried out," said the PKS politician.

Meanwhile, regarding Indonesia's role in free and active foreign policy, said Sukamta, the impact of the war between the Taliban and the Afghan government, which is supported by the United States and NATO, also leaves many problems.

Where the war has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people and soldiers, hundreds of thousands of refugees, damaged infrastructure, destroyed the economy, social and education of the Afghan people.

As the current ruler of Afghanistan, according to Sukamta, the Taliban must be responsible for rebuilding Afghanistan peacefully. Meanwhile, the Government of Indonesia, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, needs to play an active role in peaceful reconciliation in Afghanistan.

"Indonesia has good relations with Afghanistan, including the Taliban in it, who now control Afghanistan. Indonesia's strategic roles in the past have become capital today to play a more active role in peace reconciliation efforts, rebuilding Afghanistan," said the Yogyakarta legislator.

In addition, the Chair of the Foreign Development and Development Division of the PKS DPP asked the Indonesian government as a member of the UN Security Council with the international community to encourage the Taliban to no longer use Afghanistan as a haven for terrorist groups, such as Al Qaeda and ISIS.

"The war on global terrorism against ISIS, Al Qaeda and other terrorism groups must be carried out by the Afghan government led by the Taliban. This is done so that a long war that is detrimental to the Afghan people does not repeat," he said.

Regarding the recognition of the Taliban as the official leader in Afghanistan, according to Sukamta, the Indonesian government must immediately determine its position by taking into account the situation and communication with the Taliban.

"The seriousness of the Taliban in protecting foreigners and taking care of their people can be a condition for Indonesian and even international recognition for the legitimacy of the Taliban leadership in Afghanistan," he explained.

The Deputy Chair for Political, Legal and Security Affairs of the DPR PKS Faction, added that currently there are 2.7 million Afghan refugees scattered in various countries, one of which is Indonesia. He said, for years 8000 Afghan refugees have been living temporarily in Indonesia.

Unfortunately, in recent years there has been an increase in the suicide rate of these refugees. Thus, the role of Indonesia and the seriousness of the Taliban in rebuilding Afghanistan is tested in solving the refugee problem.

"We, the PKS faction of the DPR RI in this refugee issue, encourage the Indonesian government to immediately ratify the Refugee Convention so that Indonesia becomes part of the solution to the world refugee problem," said Sukamta.

To note, currently Indonesia has not ratified the 1951 International Convention and the 1967 Protocol on the Status of Refugees.