Attending The IAEA Conference, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi Calls For The Use Of Nuclear For Peaceful Purposes

Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi while attending the IAEA conference. (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi again called for the use of nuclear technology only for peaceful purposes and purposes, not the other way around.

This was conveyed by Foreign Minister Retno, at the 65th General Conference of the World Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which was held virtually, Monday, September 20 at local time.

In the midst of a nuclear arms race that is still going on, along with the world still not completely free from the threat of nuclear weapons. There are peaceful goals that can be achieved with nukes. Thus, three important aspects must be considered, namely Safety, Security, and Protection.

"We must continue to encourage the use of nuclear for peaceful purposes," said Foreign Minister Retno in a statement through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

One of its applications is the use of nuclear technology to develop superior rice varieties. Since 2013, Indonesia, represented by the Food Crop Breeding Research Group (PAIR) in collaboration with the IAEA and the World Food Agency (FAO) has developed 23 new rice varieties.

Indonesia's achievements have been appreciated by the international community and have won the 'FAO/IAEA Outstanding Achievement Award' twice, in 2014 and 2021.

"We are honored to receive the 'FAO/IAEA Outstanding Achievement Award'. This award is a form of recognition of the socio-economic impact of our collaboration and proof of nuclear's contribution to sustainable development," she explained.

In addition, nuclear technology can also play a role in efforts to overcome pandemics, namely to detect new virus variants and prevent future pandemics.

Foreign Minister Retno added, Indonesia is committed to continuing to support the IAEA in increasing the capacity of developing countries' nuclear science and technology through Technical inclusive work cooperation, including through South-South Cooperation.

"Let's continue our collective work to 'accelerate and expand the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and prosperity' as stated in the IAEA Charter," said Foreign Minister Retno.

To note, the IAEA's 65th General Conference (GC) will take place on September 20-24, 2021. The GC is an annual conference at the United Nations Headquarters in Vienna, Austria since 1956 which has been held for IAEA member countries, to determine the direction of IAEA policy in ensuring the use of nuclear energy and technology solely for peaceful purposes.