Islamic Solidarity, Counter-Extremism, and Strengthening Afghanistan–Indonesia Partnership

Joint Press Conference with the HE Joko Widodo President of Indonesia - ARG

Keypoints: 

• Islamic Solidarity: Strengthening ties between two Muslim nations
• Condemning Terrorism: Unity against extremism and violence
• Peace Commitment: Pursuing stability through cooperation
• Religious Consensus: Role of scholars in countering radicalism
• Democratic Values: Learning from Indonesia’s democratic experience
• Economic Cooperation: Expanding trade and development partnership
• National Unity: Rejecting division and supporting reforms
• Security Reform: Strengthening defense and security institutions
• International Support: Calling for action against terror sponsors
• Hope & Resilience: Emphasizing national perseverance and future stability

ARG Presidential Palace

In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful

His Excellency Joko Widodo, respected journalists, brothers and sisters; Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh [Greetings in Arabic]. First and foremost, I again wish heaven for the martyrs, speedy recovery to the wounded and great patience for the affected families of the recent horrible and bloody terrorist attacks from Almighty Allah.

Gratitude for President Widodo’s Courageous Visit

His Excellency President of Indonesia; Today you are visiting the capital of your brother and friend country, Afghanistan, while its people are grieving. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you for your sympathy, courage and your commitment to peace and the sacred religion of Islam. Let me highlight a few words about Indonesia for the people of Afghanistan. You are the most populated and the largest Islamic nation and play a unique role in the Islamic World. Your visit to Afghanistan and warmly embracing a Muslim country and performing prayer with us and Ulama [religious scholars] of Afghanistan in Presidential Palace mosque indicate our countries’ profound and holistic bonds. The bonds are not only of today, but our lineage of Sufism had bound us together within centuries, and Kabul and Jakarta (Jawhar) were not set disconnected.

Indonesia as a Model of Democracy and Economic Power

Second, you are one of the largest democracies in the world and Indonesia’s success in establishment of a democratic government is an example, particularly in the Islamic World, that should be regarded and honored by all. We are proud that one of the largest global democracies is sharing common values with us. Meanwhile, you are one of the major economic powers in Asia and the world. When Indonesia achieved its independence, each Afghan waved the Indonesian flag and one of the most prominent personalities of Afghanistan, Abdul Hadi Dawi, was appointed as our ambassador to Jakarta. The human capacity of Indonesia then was at a low level where it was said that [the country] only has forty engineers. Today, by God’s grace, you are a major economic power where the entire global economic balance depends to your progress.

Legacy of Neutrality and Regional Cooperation

Also, your country courageously laid the foundation of positive neutrality under the leadership of Late Soekarno, the first president of Indonesia who had paid a visit to Afghanistan and honored us, in Bandung Conference in 1955. [Addressing President Widodo] Welcome to Afghanistan. Besides, you are one of the most significant examples of progressive regional cooperation. Indonesia as one of the economic and military powers in South-eastern Asia has provided a live and successful example of regional cooperation, and has shown how a win-win policy works.

National Unity and the Miracle of Balance

Above all, you exemplify national unity in your country where multiple tribes are living and numerous religions are being practiced. You didn’t consider your language diversity and different visions as the risk, but grab them as opportunities. A united Indonesia centering on five fundamental pillars is a miracle of twentieth century. More importantly, Indonesia is the symbol and representative of balance. Balance in everything. The country which centers “balance” as principle is specifically important for us.

Appraisal of President Widodo’s Leadership

Your Excellency; Let me describe your leadership characteristics to the Afghan nation. First, you have been elected as the leader of this grand country by people’s will and through free and transparent elections, and you are symbol of consolidated democracy and public accountability. You have risen among the public, issued your instruction based on people’s ambitions, and enforced them. Second, your leadership has produced a great balance between economic growth and social justice. On the one hand, Indonesia under your leadership has enjoyed a growth rate of over 5 percent annually; and on the other hand, you have paid attention to the deprived class of society, bereaved islands in particular. Your companionship and commitment toward bereaved strata of the society serves as a considerable principle. Third, Indonesia having you as leader is attending each international conference with an expressive, distinct and clear voice in the region, Asia and the Islamic World. Your active collaboration in the Islamic World is definitely crucial because you are at the frontline of a multidimensional fighting against corruption, discord and extremism. Creating the balance in all affairs and denying those people who misinterpret our sacred religion and Indonesia’s Constitution and intend to misuse this historic opportunity is imperative and important.

Historical Ties and Future Cooperation

I particularly thank for your visit that honored us, the Afghan community and personally me within a year after you welcomed me and the High Peace Council and women delegation. We always start studying the history of Java Man because Indonesia had been the first home of humans and Java where you have very deep roots and from village, municipality till Jakarta everyone loves you, is a special example. With emerging of sacred religion of Islam, our trade relations transformed to profound cultural relations. And today I am proud that we are establishing a new relationship where we, God willing, can take advantage of Indonesia’s success story and experience in the areas of peace, democracy and economic. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your visit and your sympathies for the Afghan people. In the line with our tradition of hospitality, we have delayed the national mourning day (Fatiha) for those martyred until tomorrow to honor your visit.

The Inflection Point and Taliban Accountability

His Excellency Mr. President; let me point out a few words about the horrible incidents which took place in my country. We are at an infliction point in our country’s history. The Afghan Government and people must take crucial, practical and clear decisions on the future measures we should adopt. On the recent tragedy; those including Taliban and their followers, who consider themselves Afghan and Muslim, are facing a test of being Muslim and Afghan. And those who claim to own these titles must prove that they morally and consciously dare to stand against such type of atrocity and terror. Yet this time, Taliban even didn’t deny responsibility for the senseless attack to prevent their notoriety. In the past, when civilian casualties rose leading to disrepute the enemy, Taliban would deny responsibility. But this time, in spite of a high civilian casualty including labors, shopkeepers, patient attendants, doctors, nurses and all strata of Afghan community, they murdered all representatives of Afghanistan society and took the responsibility. But do you know what the reason was behind this confession and taking responsibility. This time they, as ordered by their master, immediately took the responsibility to enable their master to release political isolation so that their master can gain the highest benefit through creating this massive act of terror and struggling with civilians.

A Call for Decision and International Marginalization of State Sponsors

Taliban proved they cannot disobey their masters even to preserve their reputation and status, let’s not even talk about protecting Afghan people’s interests. This is the time for Taliban to choose; those who are Afghans and Muslims must stand with their people for the sake of their religion. Those who doesn’t belong to this soil, and declare war against our people need to understand that this resilient nation is determined to taking revenge soon. We appreciate the sympathies extended by our international partner nations, particularly Your Excellency and for your courageous visit as well as your concern regarding the recent tragedies. This is the time for making decisions. People of Afghanistan expect our international partners to impede those states that sponsor terrorism and provide sanctuaries and facilities for barbaric terrorists and to denounce this illegitimate and immoral act of violation. And if the states continue to violate international laws, they must be marginalized and isolated.

Ulama Unity Against Extremism

I hope Afghanistan can use experiences and worthy consultations of our friend and brother country, Indonesia, in the best way on the shared goals, particularly in the area of fighting against extremism. Also, I hope opinions of the esteemed Ulama of both countries as well as Islamic countries on tackling extremism and the vicious phenomenon of terrorism are unified, and the esteemed Ulama, with one voice defend the inclusivity of Islam and equality of rights of human-beings and Muslims before the Islamic justice without issuing Fatwas in line with their political gains or by limiting and restricting them to a specific geography. The venerated Ulama should rise against those people who make use of Sharia and religious science and define lawful and unlawful – Haraam and Halaal – in line with their own gains or legitimize massacre and bloodshed.

Internal Solidarity and Security Reforms

We ask and expect Ulama, clergies, influential figures and political stratum of Afghanistan to understand sensitivity of this crucial moment and together with their great nation stand against enemies’ conspiracies. It is the time that all strata give up their minor and personal interests and prefer supreme interests of the country, refuse discord and disunity and provide their support for reforms in the government particularly at the level of the country’s armed forces. I praise the valor and sacrifice of Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces, and there must be no delay to establish reforms in our security sector particularly Ministry of Interior and National Directorate of Security. As I mentioned earlier, we are in sensitive and destiny making moment. We are at a crossroad now. We have no choice, but to take reforms serious and make stern and crucial decisions.

Justice and Retribution for Civilian Massacre

Now that reforms are bearing fruit in Ministry of Defense, our ANA and Special Forces have subdued the enemy in the battle fields, the coward enemy is utilizing the barbaric and brutal tactic of civilian massacre. Therefore, it is required to bring further reform and ensure coordination in Ministry of Interior and our intelligence services. The new barbaric tactic of the enemy and recent heartless attacks on public gatherings revealed that the enemy shamelessly and barbarically denies the right of our people for peace and prevent our people to choose peace. Since peace is the vital and fundamental need of our people, we have to achieve this peace with using force and take revenge of our oppressed people. Our people want justice, and we are committed and determined to address this demand. Our blood will not remain unrequited. I will share my clear and serious actions in response to the recent human tragedies very soon with you and the nation. Now, in honor of our guest, I refuse to provide details in this regard, but I assure you that our bad days will be over. The enemies by showing disregard to the lives and honor of our people have made a decision for their annihilation and notoriety.

Closing Remarks and Good Omens

Your Excellency Mr. President and my dear brother; Your example is a beacon of hope for us. You have passed very harsh days in your country. There were several misconceptions that your great country would not find its right path, but you did. Your stance with us revives our hope. At the end, I want to share a proverb about Kabul. “May Kabul be without gold, but may not be without snow.” Your visit was accompanied with the blessing of snow and rain for which we prayed several weeks. Thank you. Snow and rainfall neither have conditions nor distinguish between the rich and the poor and is equal for all. We consider it as a good omen. Your Excellency; Please share your remarks with us.