CTBTO Signs Facility Agreement with Indonesia

The Government of Indonesia and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) have concluded a Facility Agreement regarding auxiliary seismic stations in Indonesia. The agreement was signed by CTBTO Executive Secretary Robert Floyd and the Permanent Representative of Indonesia to the United Nations, Ambassador Damos Agusman on 16 April 2025 in Vienna.

Facility Agreements establish the political, legal, and technical framework for cooperation between the CTBTO and States Signatories hosting International Monitoring System (IMS) facilities. This framework includes station ownership, arrangements with local operators, and assistance with importing spare parts, while also addressing the physical security of the stations and necessary protections and amenities for CTBTO staff to carry out the required work.

In addition to bolstering IMS coverage in the region and globally, data from these Indonesian auxiliary seismic stations can also benefit civil and scientific uses. For example, recorded signals may assist in earthquake analysis or enhance tsunami warning capabilities.

Indonesia hosts six auxiliary seismic stations, which, when complete, form part of the global network of 170 seismic stations foreseen by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). Together with the other facilities of the IMS, they provide data to the International Data Centre (IDC) in Vienna, ensuring around-the-clock monitoring for signs of nuclear explosions.