Jakarta. Indonesia can not escape the impact of nuclear weapons if World War III breaks out, according to President Prabowo Subianto.

Prabowo had briefed thousands of regional leaders in Sentul on Monday. The candid speech started with an overview of Jakarta’s foreign policy directions. Prabowo admitted that almost all world leaders he met during a recent overseas trip were stressing about a looming, nuclear-driven war. This could have a baleful impact on the archipelagic Indonesia and its fishery sector.

“If World War 3 ever happens, especially one that involves nuclear weapons, we [Indonesia] will be affected even if we are not involved,” Prabowo said.

“The radioactive particles will hit us, as well as all of our fish in the sea. There will be a nuclear winter. The dust will block sunlight not just for a year, two, or even three. Experts say that this [nuclear] winter can last for decades.”

The retired army general repeated Indonesia’s commitment to not join any military pact. 

“But that means we are alone. If we are threatened or attacked, mark my words, nobody is going to help us,” Prabowo stated.

Russia, France, India, the US, the UK, Israel, Pakistan, China, and North Korea are the countries known to possess nuclear weapons, according to the Status of World Nuclear Forces (2025). They have 12,331 warheads, with over 9,600 in active military stockpiles. Russia — a country that Prabowo had just visited — leads the list with 5,459 warheads, followed by the US (5,277) and China (600). 

Jakarta has been pushing China, the US, Russia, the UK, and France to ink a proliferation pact under the ASEAN banner. None of them has signed the protocol so far, although Beijing has expressed its intention to sign a legally binding pledge to keep Southeast Asia free of nuclear weapons. At home, Indonesia is eyeing nuclear power generation.

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