VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

An Indonesian diplomat accentuated the importance of comprehensive efforts to boost nuclear security, with focus not solely on the use of nuclear material for peaceful purposes but also to meet military and weaponry needs.

Indonesian Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Vienna Ambassador Darmansjah Djumala made the statement during the 2020 International Conference on Nuclear Security (ICONS) of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) held at the UN Office in Vienna.

The conference, opened by IAEA Director General Rafael M. Grossi and held on February 10-14, 2020, brings together some two thousand delegates from 130 countries.

This year, ICONS managed to adopt a ministerial declaration that will serve as a guide to implementing the IAEA's policy of nuclear security activities.

Furthermore, the declaration reiterates the fundamental obligation of each nation to control all nuclear and radioactive materials under its respective purview. In the meantime, IAEA is required to always play a central role in facilitating international cooperation in nuclear security.

Indonesia, which supports the adoption of the declaration, has ratified several key international instruments, including the Convention on Physical Protection on Nuclear Material (CPPNM) and the International Convention on the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (CSANT).

The support mirrors the concrete commitment and contribution of the Indonesian government to fortify the architecture of global nuclear security, Djumala stated.

Djumala, chief of the Indonesian delegation to the conference, remarked that despite nuclear security being vital, Indonesia views that the right of each country to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes is the main priority that cannot be obstructed.

The Indonesian delegation to the conference comprised Chief of the National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN) Prof. Anhar Riza Antariksawan and Chief of the Nuclear Energy Supervisory Agency (BAPETEN) Prof. Jazi Eko Istiyanto.

ICONS is a ministerial-level meeting that serves as a platform for the exchange of views and experiences linked to the achievement of each country to strengthen nuclear security to prevent irresponsible parties, such as criminal and terrorist groups, from getting hold of nuclear and radioactive materials.

ICONS is held every three or four years since 2013 in Vienna. (ANTARA)