Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York, submitted Indonesia's instrument of ratification for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). This significant move solidifies Indonesia's commitment to a world free of nuclear weapons and underscores its active role in promoting global peace and security.
Indonesia, along with Sierra Leone and the Solomon Islands, deposited their ratification documents at the UN Secretariat General on Tuesday. This marked a crucial step in the treaty's implementation, with Indonesia becoming the 73rd country to ratify the TPNW.
Indonesia's journey towards ratifying the treaty began in 2017 when it first adopted the TPNW. This commitment was further strengthened when the Indonesian House of Representatives passed Law Number 22 of 2023, ratifying the TPNW, which came into effect on December 20, 2023.
As Indonesia's Permanent Representative to the UN, Arrmanatha Nasir, emphasized, the treaty comprehensively prohibits member countries from developing, testing, producing, acquiring, possessing, stockpiling, using, or threatening to use nuclear weapons. Additionally, it forbids assisting, encouraging, or inducing anyone to engage in any of these prohibited activities.
Indonesia's ratification of the TPNW is a significant step forward, not only for the country but also for the Southeast Asian region. It is the seventh ASEAN member state to ratify the treaty, following Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
By taking this decisive action, Indonesia aims to contribute to reducing the risk of nuclear weapon use and proliferation. It also seeks to exert moral and political pressure on nuclear-armed states to fulfill their disarmament obligations and work towards a nuclear-weapon-free world. Moreover, Indonesia's commitment to the TPNW aligns with its efforts to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Indonesia's active role in promoting the TPNW demonstrates its leadership in disarmament efforts. The country plans to continue encouraging other nations to join the treaty, contributing to a safer and more secure world for all.
