Indonesia Encourages Strengthening Biological Weapons Conventions At UN Meetings

Ambassador Achsanul Habib (screened the camera) (PTRI Geneva source)

JAKARTA - PTRI Geneva's Ad Interim (KUAI) Business Authority Ambassador Achsanul Habib reaffirmed Indonesia's commitment to strengthen the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), saying its implementation must be adjusted to the context of each country.

This was conveyed in "The Sixth Meeting of the Working Group on Stretching the BWC" which took place at the Geneva United Nations Headquarters on August 11, 2025.

Although it has been in effect since 1975 and has become an important institution in preventing the use of biological weapons, BWC does not yet have a cooperation mechanism, a science and technology study mechanism, or a verification regime that can guarantee compliance.

Indonesia assesses that, along with the development of science and technology, BWC needs to be strengthened to remain relevant.

"The national implementation of the Biological Weapons Convention is a continuous process and must be adapted to the context of each country. There is not a single model suitable for all, but a gradual increase supported by international cooperation will strengthen global biosecurity. The effectiveness of implementation in the end will depend heavily on political will and the depth of multilateral collaboration," Ambassador Achsanul Habib explained in a written statement as quoted on August 26.

Indonesia in this meeting was trusted as one of the facilitators on the issue of national implementation, playing a role in helping the Chairman of the Working Group in drafting recommendations that include strengthening national regulations, increasing capacity, and technical support at the international level.

Indonesia used this meeting opportunity to convey views on various agendas, including international cooperation, development of science and technology, transparency and confidence-building measures, compliance and verification, and national implementation.

This two-week meeting closed with the adoption of procedural report on a consensus basis, an achievement that reflects a common ground amid differences of views. This result is an important momentum to move on to the next stage ahead of the next Working Group and the Meeting of States Parties in December 2025, as well as the BWC Review Conference in 2027.

Indonesia's participation in this process is in line with the national commitment to contribute to international peace and security, as well as strengthen efforts to reduce arms and non-proliferation at the global level. This step is also consistent with Asta Cita, especially the 2nd point on strengthening national resilience and national defense, as well as the 4th point on strengthening the role of active and diplomatic free foreign politics for world peace.

It is known, Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) is a multilateral agreement that prohibits the development, production, and hoarding of biological weapons and toxics. This Convention came into effect in 1975 and currently has 189 Parties Countries. Indonesia ratified BWC in 1992.