TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo or Jokowi’s plan to visit Afghanistan at the end of this month remains unchanged despite the declining security situation in the country.

“Yes, I’m planning to visit [Afghanistan],” said President Jokowi at the Jakabaring Sports City in Palembang today.

Read: Indonesia Ready to Mediate to Resolve Afghan Crisis: President

The president expressed his intention to personally observe the true conditions of Kabul.

“We will be able to know the exact condition in Kabul and Afghanistan [in general],” said the seventh Indonesian president.

According to Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi, the official state visit is driven by a request to assist the peacebuilding process in Afghanistan discussed in several meetings held by Indonesian Officials.

Retno explained that Indonesia will provide assistance such as training programs, religious figure exchange programs, and women’s empowerment education.

Read: Jokowi: Afghanistan Wants Indonesia`s Help to Resolve Conflict

“That’s why the First Lady of Afghanistan came here to talk about women’s empowerment, peace, and economic empowerment,” said Minister Retno.

President Jokowi will also visit five South Asian countries, namely Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. The president will also attend the ASEAN-India summit in New Delhi regarding the maritime sector, regional and international issues.

ANTARA