Taliban Can Make Indonesia an Islamic State, Expert: Stupid Dreams

Former Indonesian Ambassador to the United Nations Makarim Wibisono stated that the rule of the Taliban in Afghanistan has not had an impact on Indonesia’s national security. Because the Taliban are still busy with their domestic affairs.

That was said by Makarim in the Moya Institute Webinar entitled The Impact of the Reinstatement of the Taliban for Indonesia’s Security, Friday (10/9).

“Before the pandemic, half of Afghanistan’s population was below the poverty line. This adds up after the pandemic. This is the focus of the Taliban,” said Makarim.

In addition, continued Makarim, dealing with Afghanistan’s multi-ethnic and political affiliation is also a big homework for the Taliban. To form a stable government, the Taliban must be able to integrate all factions in Afghanistan.

“The Taliban are supported by mostly ethnic Pashtuns. Meanwhile, other ethnic groups have their own political affiliations, such as the Hazara who support the Shia faction, the nationalist Uzbeks, and the Tajiks who support moderate Islam. So, the Taliban must be able to form a stable government in the midst of this factionalization,” said Makarim.

Meanwhile, international political observer Imron Cotan agrees that the Taliban are preoccupied with the situation at home. However, according to Imron, what is even more difficult for the Taliban is actually the struggle for international recognition.

However, even that is not impossible if you look at the fact that the Director of the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), William Burns held a secret meeting with one of the leaders of the Taliban, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Kabul, recently.

“So as long as they establish a government that all inclusive and respect human rights, it is not difficult for them to obtain it (international recognition),” said Imron.

Imron also highlighted a few people in Indonesia who see the Taliban’s victory in Afghanistan as an inspiration to establish an Islamic state in Indonesia.

Imron considers such wishful thinking is foolishness. This is because Indonesia has always been a moderate country and is in the middle.

“The Indonesian people are indeed the NU figures according to the terms of the wassatan community. That is the moderate middle society. That’s why in history, left or right rebellions in Indonesia have never succeeded,” he said.

On the same occasion, Moya Institute Executive Director Hery Sucipto stated that the victory of the Taliban and the departure of the United States from Afghanistan had shocked the world.

According to Hery, this reminds the world public of America’s defeat in Vietnam in the 1970s. And for Indonesia, continued Hery, the Taliban’s victory also raises concerns. It is feared that the strong Islamic ideology of the Taliban could inspire similar groups in Indonesia to carry out similar movements with the Taliban

“It’s no secret that the Taliban is considered by the world public, including Indonesia, as a strict and textualist Islamic group. This has raised concerns for some people in Indonesia,” concluded Hery.