Pakistan-Afghanistan War: House Commission I Urges Indonesia to Prepare WNI Evacuation
Deputy Chair of House Commission I Dave Laksono responded to the ongoing war between Pakistan and Afghanistan, urging the government to ensure protection for Indonesian nationals.
“The escalation of military developments between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which has now reached the point of ‘open war’, is certainly a serious concern for Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives,” Dave told journalists on Saturday, 28 February 2026.
According to him, the situation not only reflects bilateral tensions in the South Asian region but also has potential implications for wider regional stability and international security.
“In this context, Indonesia as part of the global community needs to anticipate both direct and indirect impacts, particularly concerning the safety of Indonesian citizens in that region,” he said.
Dave stated that the government must ensure protection for Indonesian nationals. He said his commission was urging the government to continue monitoring developments on the ground.
“Commission I of the House of Representatives urges the government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to continue monitoring developments in the field, coordinate with Indonesian representatives in the region, and prepare evacuation measures should conditions deteriorate further,” he said.
“The safety of Indonesian nationals is a constitutional mandate that cannot be compromised, so preparedness is absolutely essential,” he added.
Dave also highlighted the importance of diplomatic steps in accordance with Indonesia’s free and active foreign policy principles. He expressed hope that the government could take a constructive position in responding to the conflict.
“Indonesia has a track record as a mediator and peace supporter, so our voice is important to remind that armed conflict will only worsen the suffering of civilians,” he said.
Earlier, Pakistani military forces bombed major cities in Afghanistan, including the capital Kabul, on Friday, 27 February local time. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that the two nations are now in “open war” following months of escalating clashes.
The bombardment of Afghanistan’s capital was launched by Islamabad after the previous day—Thursday, 26 February evening—when Kabul’s military forces attacked border posts in Pakistani territory. The Taliban government controlling Kabul described the border post attacks as retaliation for previous deadly air strikes.
Reports from AFP journalists and local residents in the Kabul and Kandahar areas, as cited by AFP and France24 on Friday, 27 February, indicated that a series of explosions and low-flying fighter jets were clearly heard on Friday, 27 February local time.