TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono stressed the importance of ASEAN's consistency in advocating for Southeast Asia as a nuclear-weapon-free zone amid increasing global nuclear risks.
He made the statement while attending the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Commission Meeting on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meetings/Post-Ministerial Conference (AMM/PMC) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC) on Tuesday, as reported by Antara.
"We are facing a worrying global disarmament landscape. Weapon control is stagnating, nuclear armament is increasing, and the commitment of nuclear-weapon states to the NPT is weakening," said FM Sugiono, as quoted from the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta, on Tuesday.
He highlighted the attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, which are monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as a violation of international law and a real threat to global stability.
In this context, Sugiono emphasized that SEANWFZ is not just a political symbol, but a concrete instrument for maintaining regional peace.
Additionally, he welcomed China's readiness to sign the SEANWFZ Protocol without reservation. He urged ASEAN to expeditiously finalize technical documents and memorandum of understanding, including the development of a clear timeline.
"China's accession will be a significant milestone, paving the way for other nuclear-weapon states to follow suit," he added.
Regarding Timor-Leste, Sugiono expressed Indonesia's full support for the country's accession to the SEANWFZ Treaty and hoped that the signing could take place at the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit.
"Timor Leste's accession will expand the geographical coverage and political significance of this Treaty," he said.
Indonesia also called for strengthening synergy among nuclear-weapon-free zones in various regions. According to Sugiono, cross-regional collaboration will strengthen the collective voice in promoting global disarmament and reinforcing non-proliferation norms.
During the SEANWFZ Commission meeting, all ASEAN Foreign Ministers agreed to promote the signing and ratification of the SEANWFZ Protocol by nuclear-weapon states, welcomed Timor Leste's accession plan to the Treaty in October 2025, and proposed a biennial resolution on the SEANWFZ Treaty at the 80th UN General Assembly.
The SEANWFZ Commission is a key ASEAN mechanism in ensuring Southeast Asia remains free from nuclear threats, in line with the region's aspirations for peace and stability.
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