For over 45 years, the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO) and the Indonesian Nuclear Regulatory Agency (BAPETEN) have fostered a strong partnership based on mutual respect, collaboration, and a resolute commitment to non-proliferation.

This commitment was reflected in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Jakarta in February 2025, signed by the institutions’ senior leaders. The MoU, which is an update of a previous MoU signed in 2001, includes a practical plan that outlines collaboration activities, including bilateral education visits and best practice inspection resources.

Supporting Regional Non-Proliferation Implementation

As ASNO and BAPETEN have benefited from sharing practical knowledge with each other, they have a long history of advocating for similar partnerships with other Asia-Pacific countries. Both Australia and Indonesia are supporting Timor-Leste’s implementation of nuclear safeguards and security following their ratification of agreements with the IAEA.

In the mid-2000s, Australia and Indonesia progressed the concept of developing an Asia-Pacific peer-to-peer network, where members could seek assistance from counterparts, exchange information on best practices, and create practical activities to strengthen nuclear safeguards implementation. Joining with Japan and Indonesia, in 2009, APSN was established, and 15 years later, its membership includes 16 countries plus several observers, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

ASNO and BAPETEN continue to find new ways to collaborate both as bilateral partners, and with their closest neighbours. Finding practical responses to the rapidly changing and expanding nuclear landscape is required now more than ever.