"This meeting is very important amid a world situation that is increasingly filled with uncertainty, where conflict and war can occur at any time," she said in a press briefing by the ministry on Wednesday (26/6/2024).
CTBT, a treaty that prohibits nuclear tests, was signed by 187 countries, including Indonesia in 2011. However, the treaty will come into force if the countries in Annex II of the CTBT have ratified it. Eight Annex II countries are yet to ratify: China, North Korea, Egypt, India, Iran, Israel, Pakistan, and the United States.
Retno admitted that her visit to the CTBTO was a form of Indonesia's commitment to multilateralism. She said that strengthening multilateralism is a joint responsibility, but 'many people doubt' multilateralism.
"For Indonesia, we truly ask, what would happen if there is no multilateralism? What will definitely happen is that 'the mighty takes all'. Therefore, it is our responsibility to continue strengthening multilateralism, including through the CTBT," Retno explained.
During Minister Retno's meeting with the Executive Secretary of CTBTO, she discussed several things, including the progress of ratification and cooperation with Indonesia. She hoped more Indonesian representatives could work at the CTBTO. Retno and Floyd also welcome recent treaty ratification by Papua New Guinea.
"We welcome PNG's ratification on 13 March this year, and we agree to continue to push for ratification by Annex II countries," Retno said.
Indonesia currently hosts 6 CTBTO seismic stations. The stations are located in Baumata (East Nusa Tenggara), Jayapura (Papua), Kappang (South Sulawesi), Lembang (West Java), Parapat (North Sumatra), and Sorong (Southwest Papua). These stations are useful for the tsunami early warning system in Indonesia.
On her visit to Vienna, Retno Marsudi also met the Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alexander Schallenberg. She is scheduled to meet the Slovenian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tanja Fajon on Thursday (27/6/2024).
