A last alternative

A last alternative

Another official statement regarding plans to build a nuclear
power plant has been made. Minister of Research and Technology
B.J. Habibie, after meeting with Australia's Foreign Minister
Alexander Downer on Thursday, said that the use of nuclear energy
to provide electric power was lowest on the priority list in
Indonesia.

We understand that our future need for electricity will be
huge and that nuclear power is one of the alternatives for
producing electricity on a large scale at a comparatively modest
cost. On the other hand it cannot be denied that the risk which
nuclear power brings to life is just as great, while the impact
of accidents are long-lasting. It is this consideration which
motivates opponents to reject the presence of nuclear power
plants.

The dilemma caused by the dwindling of conventional power
sources on the one hand and the specter of nuclear accidents on
the other dictates that adequate precautions be observed to
ensure the protection of lives.

We appreciate the rational and objective stance which the
government has been taking with regard to the planned
construction of a nuclear power plant. Pending further
developments, the concerns that have been voiced deserve to be
heard.

-- Republika, Jakarta