Locals ignorant of nuclear start date<\/p>\n
JEPARA, Central Java (JP): The chief of Jepara regency, where
\nthe government plans to build Indonesia's first nuclear power
\nplant, said yesterday he had not been told when the project will
\nbegin.<\/p>\n
\"I have not received further official information on the
\nplans,\" Bambang Poerwadi told reporters. \"<\/p>\n
He admitted that it he who suggested the location of Ujung
\nLemah Abang, near Mount Muria, in Jepara.<\/p>\n
But he said that he was not aware of any government move to go
\nahead with the project in the near future.<\/p>\n
The regency chief was responding to questions about a
\nstatement made by chief of the National Atomic Agency Djali
\nAhimsa that the government would soon accept proposals from
\nforeign bidders to build the nuclear plant at Muria.<\/p>\n
\"I have only heard the statement from the newspapers and the
\ntelevision,\" he said. \"It will all depend on the central
\ngovernment. I only take orders,\" he said.<\/p>\n
He stressed that he was fully in support of the plan. \"If the
\ngovernment decides to set up the plants, we are ready,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Bambang said the location of Lemah Abang was suggested because
\nthere would be no trouble about compensation for the land
\nprocured, as the area is not inhabited.<\/p>\n
Anti-nuclear organizations have stepped up their campaign to
\nblock the plan.<\/p>\n
During the weekend, a number of non-governmental organizations
\nissued a statement condemning Djali Ahimsa for ignoring demands
\nfor a public hearing as soon as the final feasibility studies of
\na 1,800 megawatt nuclear plant are completed.<\/p>\n
Another organization in Solo, Giat (Energy for People), said
\nit is reasonable to ask that the public, particularly the people
\nof Jepara, be given balanced and objective information on the
\nplans.<\/p>\n
\"But we regret to say that so far the government has
\nmonopolized the information flow,\" said Giat coordinator Wahyu
\nSusilo.<\/p>\n
\"The government has made it impossible for anyone to
\ndistribute information about the dangers of nuclear power
\nplants,\" Wahyu said.<\/p>\n
Giat also said the proposed nuclear power plant is not
\nconsistent with the region's basic development plans.
\n(wah\/har\/anr)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/locals-ignorant-of-nuclear-start-date-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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