Indonesia and Australia have officially launched a new milestone in nuclear safety and security cooperation. This collaboration is outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO) and Indonesia’s Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency. This Indonesia-Australia Cooperation also aims to Strengthen Bilateral Relations.
ASNO Director-General Geoffrey Shaw stated that this MoU revitalizes the partnership between ASNO and Indonesia’s Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency. He noted that both organizations previously signed their first MoU in 2001.
“This MoU provides us with a practical framework that covers nuclear safeguards and a stronger focus on nuclear security,” Shaw said on Tuesday (February 18, 2025), as quoted by kompas.com.
He emphasized that this agreement underscores the strong and practical institutional partnership between ASNO and Indonesia’s Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency. The collaboration is built on mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared commitment to non-proliferation.
Shaw further highlighted that both organizations are dedicated to enhancing nuclear security implementation in the Asia-Pacific region. In fact, they were among the founding members of the Asia-Pacific Safeguards Network in 2009.
Meanwhile, Secretary-General of Indonesia’s Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency, Sugeng Sumbarjo, stated that this partnership would bring mutual benefits to both nations. Additionally, it will contribute to global development and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
“The signing of this MoU demonstrates our commitment to fostering cooperation in nuclear non-proliferation,” Sugeng explained.
ASNO is responsible for ensuring that Australia meets its international nuclear non-proliferation obligations through strong domestic regulations. Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency ensures that the country fulfills its international commitments on nuclear safeguards and additional protocols.
This is achieved through regulatory formulation, licensing, and national-level inspections, as well as active participation in international nuclear security initiatives.
Cooperation in Education Sector
Another key area of collaboration between Indonesia and Australia currently in development is in the creative industry sector through education sector.
“Australia and Indonesia, particularly Bali, have a dynamic creative industry. One of the pillars supporting this sector is education.” said Australian Consul General in Bali, Jo Stevens, in Denpasar, Bali, on Wednesday (February 19, 2025), as reported by antaranews.com.
The senior diplomat highlighted that Australia offers various scholarship programs for Indonesians to study in Australia. The Australia Awards Indonesia program provides a range of scholarships, including doctoral, master’s, and short courses, with applications open until April 30, 2025.
Jo also pointed out that Australia remains a top destination for Indonesian students, with more than 200,000 alumni in Indonesia. To strengthen this educational cooperation, Australian representatives have been visiting several universities in Bali, including the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) Denpasar.
“We aim to collaborate with Australia in the creative sector, including partnerships with Australian universities,” said the Rector of ISI Denpasar.
Australia: The Leading Contributor to Foreign Tourist in Indonesia
Australia remains the leading contributor to foreign tourist arrivals in Indonesia, particularly in Bali.
According to data from Bali’s Central Statistics Agency (BPS), international tourist arrivals in Bali reached 6.33 million in 2024, marking a 20% increase from 5.27 million in 2023.
Australia ranked first in international tourist arrivals to Bali in 2024, with 1.54 million visitors, up from 1.32 million in 2023.
With Indonesia and Australia expanding cooperation in various strategic sectors, their bilateral relationship is expected to grow stronger, providing mutual benefits for both nations.
Source: kompas.com, antaranews.com
Special Photo Credit: Australian Embassy
