Indonesia Calls for Nuclear Energy Use for Peaceful Purposes

By : Nata Kesuma | Wednesday, September 22 2021 - 18:00 IWST

Photo caption: Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi attends the 65th International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) through video conference, Monday (20/9). (Photo by: Ministry of Foreign Affairs PR)

INDUSTRY.co.id - During General Conference of the 65th International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) held on Monday (20/09), Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno LP Marsudi called for the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

According to the Minister, nuclear power can indeed be a lethal weapon and the world is still under a nuclear threat and nuclear arms race is still persistent until today.

However, she added, nuclear can also be used to benefit mankind provided that the aspects of safety, security, and safeguard are ensured.

“We must continue to promote the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes,” the Minister said.

The Minister added that nuclear technology can be applied to develop excellent rice varieties and since 2013 Indonesia has been in cooperation with the IAEA and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on developing 23 new rice varieties.

The move was met with appreciation at international stage and earned Outstanding Achievement Award from the FAO/IAEA in 2014 and 2021.

“We are grateful for the awards which acknowledged social and economic impacts from our collaboration and proved the contribution of nuclear to sustainable development,” Retno said, adding that nuclear technology can also play an important role at tackling the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of detecting new virus variants and preventing the reoccurrence of similar pandemic in the future.

Indonesia, the Minister added, also continues to reaffirm its commitment to support the IAEA in improving knowledge and nuclear technology in developing countries through technical and inclusive cooperation, including the South-South Cooperation.

“Let us continue our collective works to accelerate and promote the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world as stated in the Statute of the IAEA,” she remarked.

Having been convened since 1956, the event is an annual conference held at the United Nations’ Headquarters in Wina and is aimed at determining IAEA’s policy to ensure the use of nuclear energy and technology for peaceful purposes.