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Islamic groups, scholars suggest ‘wait and see’ in approaching Taliban after Jakarta visit
Islamic organizations and scholars are suggesting the government to be cautious should it decides to open talks with the Middle Eastern country.
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Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi (second right) speaks with top Taliban representative Amir Khan Muttaqi (second left) on the margins of an emergency meeting of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Dec. 19, 2021. (Courtesy of Foreign Ministry/-)
W
hile Indonesian Islamic groups and scholars have supported the government’s official position of not recognizing Taliban-led Afghanistan, they suggest caution should the government decide to open talks with the rulers of the Middle Eastern country.
Representatives of Afghanistan’s Taliban government traveled to Indonesia earlier this month, with Kabul saying they held meetings with politicians in Jakarta.
The Taliban administration, which took back power in Afghanistan two years ago, is reportedly trying to achieve recognition of its rule across the Islamic world. This includes courting Indonesia to boost political and economic ties.
However, the Foreign Ministry has insisted that the visit was an informal one. Spokesperson Teuku Faizasyah said on Tuesday that the Afghan representatives did not meet with anyone from the Indonesian government, adding that their activities were mainly held at the Afghanistan Embassy in Jakarta.
The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) supports the government’s position on the Afghanistan issue “if the policy brings about a greater good,” said Sudarnoto Abdul Hakim, the council’s deputy chairman for foreign affairs.
The current Afghan regime has yet to gain full diplomatic recognition globally. One factor hindering formal recognition is the Taliban’s restrictions on women, following its takeover of the government.
Read also: Indonesia ‘deeply concerned’ over the Taliban suspending university education for women
