[IIS RECAP] A Call from East Asia: Global Solidarity Toward a Nuclear-Free World

On 8-9 February 2025, Mr. Muhadi Sugiono, Senior Researcher and Lead Campaigner at the Institute of International Studies, Universitas Gadjah Mada, participated in the International Civil Society Forum to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, in Tokyo, Japan. The forum was organized to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, bringing together global leaders, scholars, and civil society representatives to discuss nuclear disarmament efforts.

Mr. Muhadi Sugiono participated at the International Civil Society Forum to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, in Tokyo, Japan.

In a session titled “Promoting Nuclear Disarmament in East Asia,” Mr. Muhadi Sugiono offered his insights on the current climate of nuclear disarmament. He drew from his experience as a campaigner for the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) in Indonesia, particularly in advocating for ratifying the Treaty of the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). These efforts culminated in the landmark ratification of Indonesia in September 2024. On a broader scale, the Southeast Asia region has taken proactive steps to promote nuclear disarmament. This is evident in diplomatic initiatives to mitigate US-China rivalry, the establishment of the nuclear-free zone and active participation in the TPNW advocacy. Given the shifting security landscape in East Asia–marked by North Korea’s advancing nuclear and missile capabilities and China’s rapid expansion of its nuclear arsenal–this discussion remains highly relevant. Mr. Muhadi’s insights were pivotal  in exploring practical steps to transform regional confrontations into cooperative efforts toward nuclear disarmament.

Mr. Muhadi Sugiono as a speaker in a session titled “Promoting Nuclear Disarmament in East Asia.”

During the event, Tanaka Terumi, co-chairman of Nihon Hidankyo—the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize winner—delivered a speech urging the younger generations to carry on the effort of nuclear abolition. He underscored the importance of understanding the catastrophic consequences of the atomic bombings to grow a more profound awareness that such suffering must never be repeated. A document was introduced to portray the reality of the devastation caused by the atomic bombings, reinforcing the inhumanity of nuclear weapons. It serves as a call to action for the younger generation of their responsibility to continue the collaborative efforts, especially as survivors age.

Following the forum, Mr. Muhadi Sugiono, alongside other international guests, visited Hiroshima, where they met with Mayor Matsui and Hibakusha–the survivors of the atomic bombing. On the occasion, Mayor Matsui expressed a growing desire to “enhance the momentum for abolition and rectify the situation amid increasing risks of nuclear weapons use.” They also paid tribute at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum and held a public symposium with local organizations. 

Mr. Muhadi Sugiono and other international guests visited the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, Hiroshima.

The forum concluded with participants releasing proposals for the United Nations meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, scheduled to take place in New York in March 2025. These proposals aim to reinforce international commitments to nuclear disarmament and strengthen global efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons.

On this occasion, Mr. Muhadi Sugiono also had an opportunity to interview the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize winner–Nihon Hidankyo. See the full interview below:

Video Interview

Written by: Inggit Kartika Dini

Edited by: Nabilah Nur Abiyanti