Monitoring The Provisional Government, Foreign Minister Retno Says Indonesia Doesn't Want Afghanistan To Become A Terrorist Nursery

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. (Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said Indonesia was monitoring developments in Afghanistan, after the Taliban succeeded in taking power and announcing the structure of its government last Tuesday.

This was conveyed by Foreign Minister Retno at the Indonesia-Australia 2+2 Meeting which was attended by her, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Australian Defense Minister Peter Dutton in Jakarta.

"Regarding Afghanistan, Indonesia is closely monitoring the situation on the ground, including the formation of an interim government. Indonesia continues to underline the importance of building inclusive governance in Afghanistan," said Foreign Minister Retno in her virtual press statement after the 2+2 Meeting, Thursday 9 September.

And, as in the meeting with representatives of the Taliban in Qatar some time ago, Foreign Minister Retno also expressed Indonesia's hopes regarding terrorism and women's rights in Afghanistan.

"Indonesia hopes that Afghanistan will not be used as a nursery and training ground for terrorist organizations and activities that threaten peace and stability in the region," he said.

"And Indonesia also hopes that human rights, especially the rights of women and girls, will continue to be respected and promoted," continued Foreign Minister Retno.

During her visit to Qatar last August, Foreign Minister Retno met with representatives of the Taliban Political Office in Doha. At that time, Foreign Minister Retno conveyed to the Taliban the importance of an inclusive government in Afghanistan, respecting women's rights, ensuring that Afghanistan does not become a breeding ground for terrorist organizations and activities.

Last Tuesday, the Taliban through its spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid announced the structure of the Afghan government led by Prime Minister Mullah Mohammed Hassan Akhund and Deputy Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. The majority of positions in government are occupied by senior Taliban figures and without a single female official.

"With yesterday's announcement, the Taliban missed an important opportunity to show the world that they are truly building an inclusive and prosperous society," said Alison Davidian, deputy head of UN Women in Afghanistan, of the absence of women in the government structure announced by the Taliban. .