Indonesia Encourages Synergy Of Nuclear Weapons Free Zones In Various Areas, Foreign Minister Sugiono: Stagnant Traffic Control

JAKARTA - Indonesia encourages the synergy of nuclear weapons-free zones in various regions, when arms control is considered stagnant, welcoming China's planned access to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ).

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono conveyed this when attending the 58th SEANWFZ Commission Meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meetings/Post Ministerial Conference (AMM/PMC) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLC), Malaysia Tuesday.

"We are facing a worrying global arms underestimate landscape. The control of the arms is stagnant, nuclear weaponry is actually increasing, and the commitment of the nuclear weapons-owning country to NPT is weakening," said Foreign Minister Sugiono, Tuesday, July 8.

Foreign Minister Sugiono further highlighted the attack on Iran's nuclear facilities supervised by the IAEA as a violation of international law and a marked threat to global stability.

In this context, Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized that SEANWFZ is not just a political symbol, but a concrete instrument to maintain regional peace.

At this meeting, Indonesia also called for the strengthening of synergies between nuclear weapons-free zones in various regions. According to Foreign Minister Sugiono, cross-regional collaboration will strengthen collective voices in encouraging global weapons cuts and strengthening non-proliferation norms.

In addition, the Indonesian Foreign Minister welcomed China's statement of readiness to sign the SEANWFZ Protocol without reservation. Foreign Minister Sugiono encouraged ASEAN to immediately complete the related technical documents and MoU, including the preparation of work plans with a clear deadline.

"Chinese acceleration will be an important milestone, paving the way for other nuclear weapons-owning countries to follow in similar footsteps," said Foreign Minister Sugiono.

Regarding Timor-Leste, the Indonesian Foreign Minister expressed Indonesia's full support for the country's access to the SEANWFZ Contract.

"The Timor-Leste acceleration will expand the geographical coverage and political weight of this treaty," said Foreign Minister Sugiono, expecting the signing to take place at the upcoming ASEAN 47th Summit.

In this meeting of the SEANWFZ Commission, all ASEAN Foreign Ministers agreed to encourage the signing and ratification of the SEANWFZ Protocol by nuclear weapons-owning countries, welcome Timor-Leste's planned accession into the Treaty in October 2025, and propose a biennial resolution related to the SEANWFZ Treaty at the United Nations 80th General Assembly Session.

It is known that the SEANWFZ Commission is the key mechanism for ASEAN in keeping Southeast Asia free from nuclear threats, in line with the ideals of a peaceful and stable region.