Indonesia Expresses Interest in Afghan Education & Mining Sectors

The Taliban's Prime Minister's office announced that Muhammad Jusuf Kalla, Indonesia's former Vice-President and head of the country's Mosque Council, has expressed interest in investing in Afghanistan's education and mining sectors.

Kalla conveyed this during his Sunday meeting with Taliban officials in Kabul. The statement quoted Kalla as saying that Indonesia's desire to "invest in various sectors, including education and mining," would require the Taliban's cooperation.

This stance comes even though the Taliban, since their return to power, have banned the education and employment of girls and women.
Indonesia, one of the largest Islamic nations, has consistently urged the Taliban over the past three years to allow girls to be educated.

Following the Taliban's education ban, the Indonesian Foreign Ministry expressed hope for a policy reversal from the Taliban to ensure access to education for all, including women and girls, emphasising its critical role in Afghanistan's future.

During his visit on Monday with Abdul Salam Hanafi, the Taliban’s Deputy Prime Minister in Kabul, Kalla highlighted that Indonesia would offer educational opportunities for Afghan youth.

According to the Taliban's statement, Hanafi welcomed Indonesia's willingness to invest in diverse sectors across Afghanistan, affirming that the Taliban would provide all necessary facilities. Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban's Foreign Minister, in his meeting with the Indonesian delegation, expressed the group's eagerness to strengthen relations with Southeast Asian countries.