Indonesia urges peaceful resolution of Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict
Jakarta - Indonesia is urging the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan to pursue peaceful resolution of the conflict to end the armed dispute between the two nations.
The spokesman for Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu), Vahd Nabyl A. Mulachela, stated that Indonesia is calling for de-escalation measures that should be immediately undertaken by both countries, followed by dialogue to defuse the conflict.
“Indonesia hopes both countries can resolve the issues peacefully, prioritise dialogue, and undertake de-escalation,” said Nabyl during a media briefing in Jakarta on Friday.
These measures, according to Nabyl, are solely intended to ensure that the armed conflict does not result in civilian casualties. This is particularly important given the number of Indonesian nationals (WNI) currently residing in both countries.
“We also need to pay attention to the safety of civilians, as well as Indonesian nationals in both countries,” said the Foreign Ministry spokesman.
Furthermore, Acting Director of the Directorate of Indonesian Citizens Abroad at the Foreign Ministry, Heni Hamidah, confirmed that Indonesian nationals in Afghanistan and Pakistan are in a safe condition despite the recent armed clashes between the two countries.
Although Pakistani military reportedly launched attacks on Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, Heni stated that no Indonesian nationals were affected by these strikes. “All Indonesian nationals in Afghanistan are reported to be in a safe condition,” she said.
The Indonesian Embassy in Kabul has issued an appeal to all Indonesian nationals in Afghanistan to heighten their vigilance, limit travel outside their residences, avoid government areas and crowded public spaces, and maintain continuous communication with the embassy, Hamidah added.
The number of Indonesian nationals in Afghanistan currently stands at 43 persons, of whom 15 are members of the extended family of the Indonesian Embassy in Kabul, according to the Acting Director.
Last week, Pakistan launched airstrikes on the provinces of Nangarhar and Paktika in Afghanistan, which according to Afghan authorities resulted in the deaths and injuries of dozens of civilians, including women and children.
On Thursday evening local time (26 February), Afghanistan announced that it had launched a large-scale military operation against Pakistani forces along the border in response to the bombing campaign.