ASEAN’s Nuclear-Free Zone: Indonesia Leads Call for Global Disarmament Action

RAKYAT NEWS, LAOS –  Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has called on ASEAN to intensify its global efforts towards nuclear disarmament amid declining commitments from nuclear-armed states.

During the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Commission meeting, which marked the beginning of the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM-57) in Vientiane, Retno highlighted the growing challenges in achieving a nuclear-free world.

“Several key nuclear-armed countries have withdrawn from critical international agreements, distancing us further from the goal of a nuclear-free world,” Retno stated during the meeting, according to a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to media

Retno pointed out several international treaties, including the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, and the Strategic Arms Race Reduction Treaty, which have seen declining support from major nuclear powers.

She warned that the diminishing commitment from these nations poses a significant threat to regional stability, including Southeast Asia.

“Regardless of the challenges we face, ASEAN must remain steadfast in its commitment to making Southeast Asia a nuclear weapon-free zone,” Retno asserted.

She emphasized the importance of ASEAN pressing nuclear-armed states to honor their commitments to global disarmament and non-proliferation efforts.

“ASEAN should collaborate with other nuclear weapon-free zones,” Retno added, reaffirming Indonesia’s support for training programs between ASEAN and the Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean (OPANAL), aimed at addressing reservations raised in May 2024.

The SEANWFZ Commission meeting also supported Timor-Leste’s accession to the SEANWFZ Treaty, with the process expected to conclude this year. Additionally, the Commission welcomed various advancements in the implementation of the SEANWFZ Treaty Action Plan for 2023—2027. (Uki Ruknuddin Bebas Nuklir)