Rescuing Nuclear Non-Proliferation

As a declared non-nuclear weapon state, Indonesia has always striven for nuclear non-proliferation - indeed, for a world free of nuclear weapons. But the cause of nuclear non-proliferation is now in deep trouble, as countries are once again tempted to acquire the means of oblivion.

For over three decades, the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) has been the cornerstone of the world's non-proliferation regime, a position that derives from growing acknowledgement of the legal and normative standards that it established. Adherence to the NPT has increased steadily, reaching a stage of near universal acceptance.

But there is a general feeling that implementation has fallen short of expectations, particularly with regard to nuclear disarmament. Moreover, there is increasing concern over non-compliance and the associated risks of proliferation - to worrisome states, particularly in Asia, and, even more ominously, into the hands of private individuals and terrorist organizations.

In the face of these threats, what can be done to strengthen the non-proliferation regime?