Jokowi: Afghans Have Long Wanted Peace And Normal Life

President Jokowi (Photo: kemlu.go.id)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo said the Afghan people want peace and a normal life.

To achieve this, the President of the Republic of Indonesia emphasized that the international community must guard this transition period, towards a stable, peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan.

"For a very long time the Afghan people have longed for peace and a normal life," he said.

President Joko Widodo's statement was delivered on the occasion of the G20 Extraordinary Summit on Afghanistan which was held virtually on October 12, 2021.

The summit, which was also attended by the Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister Mahendra Siregar and the Indonesian G20 Co-Sherpa Dian Triansyah Djani, discussed joint efforts to strengthen international coordination and support for the United Nations in overcoming the humanitarian, economic and security crisis in Afghanistan.

The President of the Republic of Indonesia emphasized the importance of the efforts of the international community, with the G20 at the forefront, to do three things. First, maintaining stability and security, including by forming an inclusive Afghan government.

"The right of all groups, especially women, to contribute must be given," said President Jokowi.

Second, ending the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, including supporting the United Nations' efforts to raise humanitarian aid for the Afghan people. And third, restore economic activity and development.

"The G20 has an important role in responding to the crisis in Afghanistan," he said.

Therefore, as a country that consistently supports the peace process in Afghanistan, Indonesia hopes that the G20 can create stability in Afghanistan, overcome the humanitarian crisis and support inclusive and sustainable recovery and development in Afghanistan.

The G20 Extraordinary Summit on Afghanistan is an initiative of Italy as the G20 Presidency in 2021.

The participation of the President of the Republic of Indonesia at the summit departed from Indonesia's deep concern for achieving stability and peace and supporting the welfare of the Afghan people. The summit was attended by world leaders including Italian PM Mario Draghi and US President Joe Biden, as well as UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

For the record, Indonesia has consistently supported Afghanistan through various capacity building programs, technical training or scholarships. From 2006 to 2019, Indonesia's capacity building assistance in various fields has reached at least 555 government officials and Afghan citizens.

Finally, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi in front of the virtual UN session on September 13, 2021, has stated Indonesia's commitment to channeling aid worth US$3 million to Afghanistan, including for humanitarian emergency assistance and future development.