Pakistan-Taliban Conflict Escalates; Condition of Indonesian Citizens in Afghanistan Assessed as Safe

Jakarta — Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry has assured the public that all Indonesian nationals residing in Afghanistan are currently safe amidst the escalating military conflict between Pakistan and Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.

Heni Hamidah, Acting Director of Indonesian Citizens’ Protection at the Foreign Ministry, stated that according to records from the Indonesian Embassy in Kabul (KBRI), there are currently 43 Indonesian nationals in Afghanistan, of whom 15 are Indonesian embassy staff and their families.

“Based on KBRI Kabul records, there are 43 Indonesian nationals in Afghanistan, of which 15 are part of the embassy’s extended family. All Indonesian nationals in Afghanistan are reported to be in safe condition,” Hamidah told reporters during a press conference in Central Jakarta on Friday (27 February 2026).

Hamidah noted that Indonesian nationals in the embassy compound are not targets in the armed conflict. However, the Indonesian Embassy in Kabul has issued several precautionary advisories to mitigate potential security risks.

“The KBRI Kabul has issued advisories to all Indonesian nationals in Afghanistan to maintain heightened vigilance, limit travel outside their residences, avoid government installations and crowded areas, and maintain regular communication with the embassy,” she explained.

Regarding Indonesian nationals in Pakistan, Hamidah stated their number exceeds 1,800 persons. “For Indonesian nationals in Pakistan, the figure is over 1,800. We are still conducting further verification,” she said.

Regional tensions have escalated following Pakistan’s declaration that it is now in “open war” with the Taliban-led Afghan government. This declaration came after reports of explosions in Kabul and clashes at several points along the shared border.

Pakistan has also claimed to have launched strikes against the Kandahar and Paktika regions within Afghanistan.

Earlier, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that Afghanistan is conducting “large-scale offensive operations” against Pakistani military forces along the Durand Line, the border demarcating the two nations. Taliban characterised the offensive as a response to Pakistani airstrikes that occurred earlier in the week.