Indonesia Submits Ratification of Nuclear Weapons Prohibition Treaty at UN General Assembly
New York, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi formally submitted Indonesia’s instrument of ratification for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The submission, made to the UN Secretariat General on Tuesday, was conducted alongside two other nations—Sierra Leone and the Solomon Islands.
Indonesia initially adopted the TPNW in 2017, reinforcing its longstanding commitment to nuclear disarmament. The Indonesian House of Representatives ratified the treaty into Law Number 22 of 2023, which took effect on December 20, 2023. This law prohibits Indonesia from developing, testing, storing, or using nuclear weapons. Furthermore, it bars Indonesia from facilitating any such activities by other countries.
“This is a significant milestone for Indonesia, showcasing our active role in promoting global peace and security,” said Arrmanatha Nasir, Indonesia’s Permanent Representative to the UN. Nasir also emphasized that the treaty forbids member countries from assisting others in the testing or storage of nuclear weapons.
Indonesia becomes the seventh ASEAN country to ratify the TPNW, following Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. To date, 93 countries have signed the treaty, with 73 having ratified it.
Looking forward, Indonesia aims to encourage more countries to join the treaty in order to reduce the risk of nuclear weapon use. Additionally, Indonesia’s efforts will increase moral and political pressure on nuclear-armed nations to cease their nuclear weapons development and promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy.