President Jokowi Attends G20 Extraordinary Leaders’ Summit on Afghanistan

President Joko Widodo

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo pushed for the international community to oversee the transition period in Afghanistan during the G20 Extraordinary Leaders’ Summit on Afghanistan held online, Tuesday (12/10).

“International communities must oversee this transition period towards a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Afghanistan. The people of Afghanistan have yearned for peace and a normal life for so long,” he said.

The Summit discussed joint efforts to strengthen international coordination and support for the United Nations (UN) in managing humanitarian, economic, and security crises in Afghanistan.

In his remarks, the President underscored the importance of international communities, with G20 at the forefront, to conduct three important things.

First, to maintain stability and security including by forming an inclusive Afghanistan Government.

“The rights of all groups, especially women, to contribute must be granted,” the President said.

Second, to put an end to the humanitarian crises in Afghanistan, including to support the UN to raise humanitarian aid for the people of Afghanistan.

Third, to revive economic and development activities.

“G20 plays a vital role in responding to crises in Afghanistan,” the President said, adding that as a country that consistently supports for peace in Afghanistan, Indonesia expressed hope that G20 can create stability in Afghanistan, overcome humanitarian crisis, and foster an inclusive and sustainable recovery and rebuilding in Afghanistan.The G20 Extraordinary Leaders’ Summit on Afghanistan is the initiative of Italy that holds the G20 presidency in 2021. The Indonesian President’s participation in the Summit is based on Indonesia’s deep concerns for realizing the stability, peace, and wellbeing of the Afghan people.

The Summit was attended by global leaders, including Prime Minister of Italy Mario Draghi, President of the United States of America Joe Biden, and Secretary-General of the UN António Guterres. Indonesian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahendra Siregar and Indonesian G20 Co-Sherpa Dian Triansyah Djani also attended the Summit.

For the record, Indonesia has consistently supported Afghanistan through various capacity improvement, technical training, and scholarship programs. During the course of 2006 and 2019, Indonesia’s capacity building programs in various fields have assisted at least 555 Afghan government officials and people.

In addition, Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi at the virtual UN forum on 13 September also reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to distribute aid of US$3 million for Afghanistan, including for humanitarian emergency aid and future development. (PR of Ministry of Foreign Affairs/UN) (DH/MUR)

The official website of Ministry of Foreign Affairs can be accessed through this link.