The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is a treaty that, in essence, regulates policies regarding the cessation, use, and development of nuclear weapons in countries that have not yet initiated such programs. This agreement came into effect in 1970 and has been ratified by 191 countries, including the five nuclear-armed states. Every non-nuclear-armed country party to this treaty has the right to undergo international monitoring of its nuclear programs. Indonesia, as one of the 191 sovereign nations endorsing the treaty, signed and ratified the NPT in 1970 and 1978, demonstrating commitment to its objectives. The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) is an international agreement aimed at prohibiting the development, testing, production, stockpiling, transfer, use, and threat of use of nuclear weapons. TPNW also includes a prohibition on providing assistance or encouragement in these prohibited activities. While considered a crucial step towards achieving the complete elimination of nuclear weapons, Indonesia's involvement in both NPT and TPNW raises potential drawbacks for the development of crucial energy sources such as nuclear power.The disparities in the policies of NPT and TPNW may have adverse effects on Indonesia in several aspects. One of these is the matter of national security and defense concerning the use of nuclear weapons for the sake of peace. Furthermore, nuclear energy can be utilized as a renewable energy source amidst Indonesia's ongoing energy crisis. Additionally, the medical sector experiences negative impacts due to Indonesia's inability to produce its own chemotherapy equipment. Lastly, there is also interdependence resulting from its shortcomings in the nuclear field.
Firstly, the issue of national security and defense. NPT and TPNW are essentially created to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons into the hands of terrorists or irresponsible nations. However, the geopolitical uniqueness of Southeast Asia makes Indonesia a potential target for nuclear attacks from neighboring nuclear-armed states. The policy disparity of NPT makes Indonesia unable to possess nuclear weapons as an effective national defense tool, thereby increasing vulnerability to nuclear attacks. This is also related to the simple theory of "deterrence theory," which emphasizes the importance of military strength as a means to prevent conflicts and aggression from others.
Secondly, nuclear energy as a renewable source amidst the energy crisis. Indonesia has limited fossil fuel reserves and faces an energy crisis with increasing demand and limited fossil fuel resources. The use of nuclear energy as a renewable source could help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and enhance the country's energy resilience. However, due to the policies of NPT and TPNW, Indonesia cannot effectively utilize its nuclear energy resources.
Thirdly, the medical sector is affected by Indonesia's inability to produce its own chemotherapy equipment. Chemotherapy equipment is crucial in cancer treatment, but the majority of such equipment used in Indonesia is imported. The policy disparity of NPT prevents Indonesia from building sufficient nuclear infrastructure to produce its own chemotherapy equipment, increasing dependence on other countries for cancer treatment.
Lastly, interdependence due to its shortcomings in the nuclear field. Indonesia has the potential for nuclear resources, such as rich uranium deposits. However, the NPT policy makes the establishment of a nuclear industry more difficult and expensive, leading Indonesia to rely on other countries for nuclear technology, creating dependence in terms of nuclear technology and the prices imposed by other countries for its use.
In conclusion, despite Indonesia signing and ratifying NPT and TPNW as a commitment to the goal of nuclear weapon elimination, these policies can have detrimental effects on Indonesia in several aspects. The policy disparity of NPT and TPNW may threaten Indonesia's national security and defense, hinder the development of nuclear energy as a renewable energy source, increase dependence on other countries for cancer treatment, and create reliance on nuclear technology. Therefore, it is crucial for Indonesia to consider policy changes to ensure a balance between the goal of nuclear weapon elimination and urgent national needs. The author will continue to examine developments and on-the-ground facts, remaining open to discussion and additional perspectives. This writing represents a subjective view that may evolve over time.
