Rising Nuclear Risks Put Asia-Pacific Conference in Spotlight

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia joined Austria, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in convening the Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and Security Concerns related to Nuclear Weapons.

The meeting, held in Jakarta on Friday, April 17, 2026, brought together representatives from more than 20 countries and international organizations to address regional and global security challenges posed by nuclear weapons, while advancing efforts toward the universalization and implementation of the TPNW.

Opening the conference, Director General of Multilateral Cooperation at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tri Tharyat, underscored the timeliness of the gathering.

"Nuclear weapons are not a distant threat for Asia-Pacific but a 'real and evolving security challenge," he said, as quoted on the ministry's official website on Tuesday, April 21.

Tri emphasized that current dynamics demand a reassessment of approaches still rooted in nuclear deterrence. In this context, the TPNW is seen not only as a tool to strengthen the global disarmament architecture but also as a framework grounded in humanitarian principles for building lasting security.

The conference aimed to reassess perceptions of nuclear risks comprehensively and identify steps to accelerate TPNW implementation and universalization in the region. Limited participation and ratification of the treaty in Asia-Pacific highlight the need for stronger, more inclusive collective action.

Its timing is particularly relevant ahead of the 11th NPT Review Conference later this month and the first TPNW Review Conference at the end of 2026, both expected to reinforce global momentum for nuclear disarmament.

Participants reiterated that nuclear weapons pose catastrophic humanitarian and environmental consequences that transcend borders and generations. They called for intensified joint efforts to strengthen the norm against nuclear weapons and mitigate the risks they present.

Indonesia, a consistent supporter of the TPNW since negotiations in 2017, reaffirmed through this conference its commitment to actively contribute to global disarmament efforts and to safeguarding international peace and security. ***