NEW YORK: In a gesture of global solidarity, the Indonesian government has pledged to send 10 million doses of polio vaccine to Afghanistan. Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi made the announcement during a high-level event at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, alongside Irish Foreign Minister Micheál Martin and Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly.
The Indonesian government’s commitment to assisting Afghanistan in combating the polio epidemic underscores its dedication to supporting the Afghan people, particularly women who have faced increased challenges since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021.
During the meeting, Minister Marsudi emphasized the importance of translating global solidarity into tangible actions. She stressed that the polio situation in Afghanistan has added to the burdens faced by Afghan women.
Indonesia’s Humanitarian Aid to Afghanistan
Indonesia had previously sent humanitarian aid to Afghanistan in January, addressing food and nutritional needs. Now, in collaboration with UNICEF, the country is sending 10 million doses of domestically produced polio vaccine by Biofarma.
Speaking at a press briefing session broadcast on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia’s YouTube account, Minister Marsudi acknowledged the difficulties of delivering humanitarian aid due to Taliban-imposed restrictions, including the prohibition of women working in non-profit organizations and NGOs.
In addition to health assistance, Indonesia is committed to helping Afghans access education. The country has provided scholarships and training to Afghan women who have been denied educational opportunities due to Taliban restrictions. Furthermore, Indonesia aims to facilitate communication and knowledge-sharing between ulemas, with a focus on inclusive education for women in Afghanistan.
