Indonesia is promoting a sustainable technical cooperation strategy developed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to apply nuclear technology for peace.
Also, it supports efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This was made clear by Technology, Research and Higher Education Minister Muhammad Nassir, the chairman of the Indonesian delegation, at the 60th General Assembly of the IAEA in Vienna, Austria, a statement issued by the Indonesian Embassy in Vienna and received by Antara here on Tuesday said.
The minister asserted that Indonesia was fully capable of providing technical assistance to other IAEA members.
Such assistance can be in the form of training and fellowship programs in agriculture, especially in mutation breeding, irradiation of food (food preservation) for disaster areas and industrial application.
Minister Nassir also explained Indonesias initiatives in strengthening and developing nuclear research and technology for peace in the Asia Pacific region through a cooperation platform of Regional Capacity Building Initiative (RCBI).
The RCBI was launched at the end of 2015, and was made operational in 2016.
This program will be facilitated by the Indonesian National Nuclear Agency (Batan), which has been assigned as the IAEA collaborating center, and the Indonesian Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (Bapeten) for capacity building in radiation safety infrastructure in the region.
Nassir highlighted the application of nuclear technology for peace in achieving the SDGs. Thirteen of the 17 points mentioned in the SDGs are closely connected to the role and functions that IAEA can play in development and prosperity.
Regarding ways to deal with the nuclear issues in Iran, Indonesia has called upon all sides to carry out the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and E3/EU+3 (Germany, France and Italy), and urged the entire international community to maintain a positive atmosphere to ensure implementation of the agreement.
At the 60th IAEA General Assembly, Indonesia is holding an exhibition under the theme of “Harnessing Nuclear S&T for Human Welfare: Strengthening Food Security.” It showcases the application of nuclear technology for peace, food, health and medicine, industry and environment preservation.
