Nuclear for justice and prosperity

This life is littered with ironies. One of the most striking ironies is dealt with the use of nuclear power recently. All big countries claiming themselves as the pioneers of human rights, the champions of democracy, the centers and the leaders of sophisticated civilization have made use of the nuclear technology for energy and developing weapons.

But it is an irony that the world powers pursuing nuclear technology for the purpose of making world peace and strengthening their arm forces have strongly condemned other countries to develop their nuclear program for peaceful purposes. To meet their goal, the world powers whose atomic weapons then made an agency to monitor other countries in dealing with their need of developing the program. As a result they are forbidden to develop the program for being considered as threat for the safety of human and environment.<>

It is really unfair that the big powers have all of the time called on intellectuals, politicians, and culturalists in third word countries to protest their own government willing to develop the nuclear program. As if it is a movement of humanity, democracy, and civilization. Whereas those claiming themselves as civilized countries especially in the West have most of them developed the nuclear technology. As a consequence, the intellectuals, politicians, culturalists, and even religious leaders agreed with the capitalist countries that have absolutely monopolized the program.

Because of the nuclear program, they have claimed themselves as the advanced and civilized countries while at the same time other countries developing the program have been regarded as uncivilized primitive ones; like North Korea, Iran, and Iraq. The countries have always been disturbed for pursuing the prospective program. Iraq accused of having nuclear reactors has been attacked so there was no left human civilization and legacies in the country. Similarly, Iran would also be threatened for its stance to continue its nuclear program. Even the United Nations has issued a special resolution against Its nuclear program. Then the raising question is that why has the UN still kept silent in dealing with the nuclear weapons developed by western countries including Russia and China?

Even Israel supported by the western countries claiming themselves as the kings of democracy and human rights have started to attack the Ayatollah country. Whereas the Jewish country has convincingly developed nuclear weapons. While we are still encouraged to respect the western countries having developed their nuclear weapons that have claimed millions of innocent people. But the IAEA has kept silent.

This irony should be criticized. The injustice should be opposed. Indonesia since 1960s has developed some nuclear reactors for agricultural purposes. Of course it is not the same between the present and the past. Indonesia has now been controlled by the world powers. In turn it has no courage and feels awkward to develop nuclear program for peaceful purposes. In addition, many activists voicing the song of democracy, human rights including environment activists have always been opposed to the great civilization project.

The activists should ideally understand what called as international geopolitics so they cannot easily be provoked by the colonials willing to monopolize the benefits of nuclear energy. The colonials tend to warn the risks of using the energy. In turn the activists have no broad understanding that a country whose no nuclear energy would easily be threatened and insulted like Indonesia.

As mass-based religious organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) would always try to support any efforts in making the nation big, prosperous and respected as well. NU has really endorsed the development of nuclear technology in the country. That’s why NU has asserted its support to Iran in pursuing the technology. It is not the matter of jealousy. Rather it is the matter of justice. If other countries are allowed to develop the technology, it means Iran and many other Muslim countries also have the same right. It would be fair if all countries are forbidden and/or allowed to develop the technology.

If developing nuclear technology is considered as criminal, the question is what about the mushrooming of universities especially in western countries opening the major of nuclear technology. The major should also be considered as criminal. The universities have till now admitted many students, haven't them?. Again it is an irony and even a paradox. In this respect, the activists should challenge any efforts aimed at developing the technology from the universities.

NU’s stance may be regarded as an opportunism for bringing no such benefits. Instead its stance would meet many risks. Yet as part of struggle moving expectedly toward a just world order, NU must take part in realizing justice and prosperity for all Indonesian citizens regardless of possibly emerging challenges. Yes, all this is in need of courage and sacrifice. This is an idealism that would constantly be held by the Indonesia’s biggest Muslim organization. This measure must be taken. (Abdul Mun’im DZ)