Indonesia Reaffirms Commitment to Peaceful Nuclear Technology at IAEA

RRI.CO.ID, Vienna - The Indonesian government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the use of nuclear science and technology for peaceful purposes, while also supporting the development of nuclear energy as part of efforts to achieve energy security and reach the Net Zero Emission target. The statement was delivered by the Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), who also serves as Chief of the Indonesian Delegation, Arif Satria, during the General Debate session of the 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria.

In an official statement received on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, Arif Satria first congratulated Timor Leste on becoming a new member state of the IAEA. He also expressed Indonesia's appreciation for the Agency's role in expanding the use of nuclear technology for development, improving public health and welfare, and strengthening global nonproliferation and disarmament efforts.

Indonesia also voiced its support for the IAEA's Technical Cooperation Programme as an important instrument for strengthening the capacity of member states, particularly developing countries. Indonesia further expressed appreciation for several of the agency's strategic programs, including Atoms4Food, Atoms4NetZero, Rays of Hope, NUTEC Plastics, and ATLAS, and pledged to contribute through its human resources, expertise, and national capacity.

At the domestic level, Arif Satria explained that Indonesia continues to expand its use of nuclear technology to support national development priorities, including food security, health, energy, the environment, and research. Capacity building efforts include advancing nuclear medicine and radiopharmaceuticals, plant breeding through radiation mutation techniques, food irradiation, pest and plant disease control, and plastic waste management.

On the research front, Indonesia said it continues to strengthen advanced nuclear research and innovation through the revitalization of research reactors and their supporting facilities, the development of accelerator technology, nondestructive testing, and nuclear forensics.

Regarding safeguards, Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and the Additional Protocol, while also encouraging stronger safeguards capacity across the Asia Pacific region to ensure more effective oversight of peaceful nuclear use.

Arif Satria also stressed the importance of cooperation among all member states in addressing strategic global issues under the IAEA framework, including the safeguards issue in Syria and Naval Nuclear Propulsion. He noted that the safety and security of peaceful nuclear facilities must remain a shared concern for all, including their protection during situations of conflict.

In addition, Arif Satria affirmed that Indonesia supports the right of every member state to develop and use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes in accordance with the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and the IAEA Statute. "Indonesia will continue working with the IAEA and other member states to realize the use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, sustainable development, and the welfare of people around the world," he said.