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