RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia officially called upon the United States (US) and Russia to prioritize global stability by negotiating a renewal of nuclear arms limitations following the expiration of the New START treaty on Thursday, February 5, 2026. 

In a statement monitored in Jakarta on Sunday, February 8, 2026, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the lapse of this crucial agreement has introduced a perilous level of uncertainty into the international security landscape. By urging an immediate resumption of dialogue, Indonesia is positioning itself as a proactive voice for disarmament, emphasizing that the collapse of these restrictions between the two nuclear giants threatens the long-term safety of the global community.

“Indonesia urges the US and Russia to resume negotiations regarding the renewal of the limitation and reduction of strategic offensive weapons,” the Ministry stated in a written message via social media platform X, monitored in Jakarta on Sunday, February 8, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Given that the end of New START means the two countries are no longer restricted regarding nuclear weapons for the first time since the early 1970s, Indonesia also encourages these major powers to maintain essential communication channels to prevent miscalculation and escalation.

The Ministry conveyed that the termination of the treaty increases the risk of a new arms race and the use of nuclear weapons, while also "underscoring the urgency for real progress in nuclear disarmament.” Indonesia views the risks posed by nuclear weapons as a threat to the survival and future of humanity, as any use would result in catastrophic humanitarian consequences.

Consequently, Indonesia calls upon the US, Russia, and other nuclear-armed states to prevent a new arms race from emerging. Indonesia also urges nuclear-armed states to fulfill their legal obligations under Article VI of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to achieve the total elimination of nuclear weapons from the Earth.

New START was a 10-year agreement signed by the US and Russia that became effective on February 5, 2011, before both nations agreed to a five-year extension in 2021. As of January 2025, Russia reportedly possesses 4,309 nuclear warheads and the US has 3,700, while allies France and the UK hold 290 and 225 respectively, and China possesses approximately 600.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said on Thursday his desire to negotiate a nuclear treaty superior to New START, though he insisted that China must be included in any new nuclear agreement. This development marks a critical turning point in global diplomacy and international security frameworks. ***