Harmonising Indonesia’s CBRN Policy with the IHR and WHO–UNODA Frameworks

Abstract

Indonesia is increasingly vulnerable to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats, driven by regional tensions, natural disasters, and rapidly evolving biotechnologies. Although Indonesia has enacted several laws and sector-specific regulations to manage these risks, its current policy landscape is fragmented and lacks coherent alignment with global standards. The absence of an integrated national strategy limits Indonesia’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond effectively to CBRN emergencies. This study investigates the extent to which Indonesia’s existing CBRN policies align with two critical international frameworks: the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) and guidance from WHO and UNODA in biosecurity and disarmament. Using a qualitative document-based approach, this research analysed national legislation, ministerial decrees, strategic plans, and relevant international conventions. Thematic content analysis was applied to evaluate policy alignment with IHR core capacities, including surveillance, legal infrastructure, inter-agency coordination, and emergency response mechanisms, as well as WHO–UNODA principles, including dual-use oversight, biological disarmament, and research governance. The analysis reveals major policy and institutional gaps. CBRN responsibilities in Indonesia are distributed among BNPB, BAPETEN, the Ministry of Health, BNPT, and the military (TNI), each functioning in isolation. There is no overarching coordinating body or comprehensive legal framework to unify efforts. Moreover, critical areas such as dual-use research oversight, bio-threat intelligence sharing, and international reporting obligations remain underdeveloped. Integration with IHR and WHO–UNODA protocols is limited and largely ad hoc. To improve national preparedness and resilience, Indonesia must pursue comprehensive legal reform and establish a national CBRN coordination body. Embedding international norms, such as the IHR and WHO–UNODA guidance, into domestic policy frameworks will improve coordination across agencies and align Indonesia’s biosecurity systems with international best practices.