MPR Chairperson: The Government Must Ensure The Safety Of Indonesian Citizens In Afghanistan

ILLUSTRATION/Kabul Afghanistan (UNSPLASH)

JAKARTA - MPR Chairman Bambang Soesatyo (Bamsoet), reminded the government to ensure security and ensure the safety of Indonesian citizens (WNI) in Afghanistan after the Taliban forces took control of the Presidential Palace in Kabul.

"The Indonesian government must ensure that the safety of Indonesian citizens including the staff of the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Kabul is a priority for the government," Bamsoet told reporters, Wednesday, August 18.

Bamsoet also asked the Indonesian Embassy in Afghanistan to immediately track and collect data on the whereabouts of Indonesian citizens. The government must continue to monitor the political and security conditions and developments in Afghanistan.

"This is to ensure the safety of Indonesian citizens and Indonesian Embassy staff in the country," said the Deputy Chairperson of the Golkar Party.

The former chairman of the DPR also asked the government's efforts to run parallel to the preparations for the evacuation of Indonesian citizens from Afghanistan.

"Efforts to evacuate Indonesian citizens in Afghanistan must be prepared as an effort to anticipate dramatic political developments or an increasingly unfavorable situation," said Bamsoet.

Meanwhile, the spokesman for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu) Teuku Faizasyah reported that there are 15 Indonesian citizens (WNI) who are still in Kabul City, Afghanistan in good condition.

Teuku said that the 15 Indonesian citizens were outside the staff of the Indonesian Embassy in Kabul. There are also dozens of Indonesian citizens who have various professional backgrounds, such as UN missions and marrying local citizens.

Then related to the evacuation process, Teuku said Indonesia was still preparing for it.

"The evacuation plan is still being finalized and coordinated with related parties," said Teuku, Wednesday, August 18.