New MOU Strengthen Australia and Indonesia on Partnership on Nuclear Security

Jakarta: The Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO) and the Indonesian Nuclear Regulatory Agency (BAPETEN) signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Jakarta today.

This MOU marks a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between the two organisations, which began with the first MOU signed in 2001. The new MoU underscores the strong, practical, peer-to-peer partnership between ASNO and BAPETEN, built on the values of mutual respect, collaboration, and a joint commitment to non-proliferation.

Both organisations are dedicated to enhancing nuclear safeguards implementation in the Asia-Pacific region and were founding members of the Asia-Pacific Safeguards Network in 2009.

"This MoU represents a reinvigoration of our partnership with BAPETEN. This MoU provides us with a practical plan, that includes nuclear safeguards and an enhanced focus on nuclear security. Our collaboration is a testament to the strength of our shared commitment to nuclear non-proliferation,” stated Director-General of ASNO Dr. Geoffrey Shaw, as quoted from Embassy statement, February 18, 2025.

While Sugeng Sumbarjo, Executive Secretary of BAPETEN, added, "The signing of this MoU demonstrates our commitment to fostering collaboration in the area of nuclear nonproliferation.”

“We believe that this cooperation will bring mutual benefits to both parties and contribute to the global growth and development of nuclear usage for peaceful uses,” Sugeng added.

ASNO is responsible for ensuring that Australia's international obligations on nuclear nonproliferation are met through robust domestic regulation. BAPETEN is responsible for ensuring Indonesia fulfills its international obligations regarding safeguards and the additional protocol.

This is achieved through the formulation of regulations, the issuance of licenses, and the execution of inspections at the national level, with additional efforts to be actively engaged in international initiatives concerning safeguards.