Nuclear is one issue that attracted the attention of the global community today. Nuclear development, as a weapon of mass destruction, posed a threat to the security of many countries in the world. Indonesian “free-and-active” foreign policy has a strategic role to be actively involved in diplomatic activities, as well as offering a comprehensive solution to the nuclear issue.
The nuclear issue is the background of the Symposium entitled Science and Diplomacy for Peace and Security: the CTBT @ 20 in Vienna, Austria. Activities that took place from January 25 to February 4 is held by the Preparatory Commissions for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), one of institutions that have been promoting the prohibition of activities of a nuclear test in order to maintain security and peace in the world during the last 20 years.
Mardhani Riasetiawan, lecturer of Computer Science Program, Department of Computer Science and Electronics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, who also participated in this symposium, said that the aim of this event is to bring leaders to find the best solution for nuclear issue that could be acceptable to all countries in the world through a scientific approach, one of the strategies used is Science in Diplomacy and Science for Diplomacy.
"In this event, participants do not only listen to the material being explained, but also participate in a series of the nuclear crisis management simulation, information management for the International Information Monitoring System, and to build a network to strengthen the researcher synergy in international issues," he said on Wednesday (27/1).
On that occasion, Mardhani who is currently conducting joint research with the University of Vienna, describes how Indonesia as a non-nuclear weapon country can play an active role in the negotiation of the crisis. He added that the university as a center of researches can help introduce best methods and approaches by putting science as a tool of diplomacy.
"This International opportunity does not only show that Indonesia is ready to contribute internationally, but also put UGM in the front line to participate actively on international issues. Science and diplomacy can be used as a focus which will make the role of UGM increasingly apparent in the national as well as international levels, " he explained.