Former Head Of BNPT Considers Pressure To Support Afghan Taliban Triggers Hatred Against Government

JAKARTA - Former head of the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT), Ansyad Mbai considers the emergence of pressure on the Indonesian government to support the Taliban's power in Afghanistan could trigger hatred against the government itself.

This is because the Indonesian government has not yet decided its stance firmly on the power of the Taliban group in this middle eastern country.

"The call to immediately declare formally Indonesia's recognition of the Taliban government, the problem is that it will be used as a narrative of hostility to hatred, especially against the government. Our government is still waiting and seeing the attitude of several other big countries," said Ansyad in a Virtual Crosscheck discussion, Sunday, September 5th.

According to Ansyad, the pressure echoed by a number of politicians to recognize the power of the Taliban will make the conditions of government in Indonesia even more complicated. This is because the government's political stance regarding the power of the Taliban cannot be decided in a hurry.

Indonesia and other countries such as the United States to Britain are also still looking at the realization of the Taliban government's initial commitment to running the state system in Afghanistan.

"This is definitely going to get complicated for us. The example of commitment that is most highlighted by the international community is the issue of discrimination against women there. The Taliban spokesman said it would put women in a better position, unlike so far," Ansyad explained.

"However, only a few days ago he has changed. According to him, women must be based on sharia. This is what we are waiting for. The position of women is discriminated against because according to them it is in accordance with sharia, which means walking in place," he continued.

The Taliban successfully entered the capital Kabul and occupied the presidential palace on Sunday, August 15, making President Ashraf Ghani flee and foreign countries trying to evacuate diplomats, foreign missions, and civilians in Afghanistan.

The Taliban are said to be preparing to announce their new government, as the country's economy calls for swift action by the government after their success. Afghanistan's new government is said to be led by one of the founders of the Taliban, Mullah Abdul Ghani.

One of the politicians who asked the government to support the power of the Taliban was the Deputy Chair of the PKS Syuro Council, Hidayat Nur Wahid (HNW).

He also said changes had occurred within the Taliban group because of the emergence of narratives that would respect the rights of women and children, would not tolerate acts of terrorism, and would implement a moderate government.

Thus, he said that the international community, including Indonesia, should be able to provide an opportunity for the Taliban to lead Afghanistan.

"The most rational choice for the Indonesian government is to accompany the process of change that is taking place in Afghanistan. We give the Afghan people the opportunity to compromise to determine their own destiny," said HNW some time ago.