Afghanistan–Indonesia relations

Afghanistan–Indonesia relations refers to the bilateral relations of Afghanistan and Indonesia.  The relationship between two nations is mostly founded on common religious solidarity, as Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim majority country, and Afghanistan is also a Muslim majority country.  Indonesia has expressed its commitment to support and assist the rebuilding of Post-Taliban Afghanistan in various sectors, including technical training, infrastructure, women’s empowerment, higher education and diplomat training.  Indonesia has an embassy in Kabul, while Afghanistan has an embassy in Jakarta.  Both nations are full member of Non-Aligned Movement and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. 

History
Afghanistan was among early countries that recognized the Republic of Indonesia after the revolution ended in 1949.  Afghanistan and Indonesia officially established diplomatic relations in 1954, in the same year Afghanistan established its embassy in Jakarta.  The first treaty of friendship between Afghanistan and Indonesia was signed on April 24, 1955. 

Popular opinion in Indonesia condemned the Soviet invasion in Afghanistan (1979-1989), in solidarity Indonesia took part in 1980 Summer Olympics boycott protesting Moscow on its military involvements in the country. 

On November 10, 2012 a new treaty of friendship was signed to promotes cooperation in political, economic and trade, academic, education and cultural sectors.  To assist Afghanistan in education sector and capacity buildings, Indonesia agreed to recruiting more Afghan students to study in Indonesian universities, training Afghan teachers and lecturers, and training Afghan national police in public order, traffic management and criminal investigation. 

State visits
Indonesia's first president Sukarno visited Afghanistan in 1961.  On November 2012, Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai visited Indonesia to attend the fifth Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) in Nusa Dua, Bali.  In January 2018, Indonesian president Joko Widodo visited Afghanistan. 

Illegal immigrants
After the US-led war in Afghanistan, Indonesia faces tides of Afghan illegal immigrants problems.  Afghanistan refugees had fled the turmoil in their country, and using Indonesia as stepping-stone on their attempt to reach Australia.  Over the years, scores of Afghan illegal migrants were caught and detented in Indonesia, some has been repatriated back to Afghanistan.  Afghanistan is included in Indonesia's immigration red list.  Because of security reasons, Afghanistan is among 13 countries whose citizens are required to provide specific documents to enter Indonesia. 

External links
 The Embassy of Republic of Indonesia in Kabul, Afghanistan

References