Indonesia Still Doesn't Recognize Taliban Government In Afghanistan

ILLUSTRATION/Kabul Afghanistan/Mohammad Husaini/UNSPLASH

JAKARTA - The spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Teuku Faizasyah, emphasized that Indonesia still does not recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan, even though it has a humanitarian aid mission in the country.

Faizasyah explained that in addition to carrying out humanitarian work, this mission also continuously provides information and input to the central government in Jakarta regarding various developments that need to be observed in Afghanistan while the country is under the rule of the Taliban.

"So far, Indonesia's policies have not changed much," he said at an online press conference quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, August 25.

Regarding Indonesia's position, Faizasyah again emphasized that Indonesia had set a number of parameters that became a reference to see the implementation of the management of a country or government carried out by the Taliban.

The parameters in question include the formation of an inclusive government that involves all elements of society, respect for human rights including minority groups and women, and not making Afghanistan a place for the growth of terrorist activities.

"In this year, indeed we have not been able to provide an assessment of the existence of significant progress on these three parameters, so it still takes time for us to change the position that we have underlined since a year ago, and give a special acknowledgment for developments in Afghanistan," said Faizasyah. 

To mark one year of the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan on August 15, 2022, members held a small celebration by gathering and waving the group's black and white flag.

A year ago, they marched in the capital Kabul after posting a string of major victories on the battlefield.

Before seizing power last year, the Taliban insurgent group fought against foreign forces led by the United States.

Afghanistan is now safer despite the ISIS branch in the country carrying out several attacks.

However, this relative security does not cover the enormous challenges the Taliban face in bringing Afghanistan to economic growth and stability.

They face severe economic pressure, largely because Afghanistan is isolated after foreign governments refused to recognize the legitimacy of the Taliban as leader in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan is now grappling with worsening poverty, drought, malnutrition and fading hope among women.