Locals ignorant of nuclear start date
Locals ignorant of nuclear start date
JEPARA, Central Java (JP): The chief of Jepara regency, where the government plans to build Indonesia's first nuclear power plant, said yesterday he had not been told when the project will begin.
"I have not received further official information on the plans," Bambang Poerwadi told reporters. "
He admitted that it he who suggested the location of Ujung Lemah Abang, near Mount Muria, in Jepara.
But he said that he was not aware of any government move to go ahead with the project in the near future.
The regency chief was responding to questions about a statement made by chief of the National Atomic Agency Djali Ahimsa that the government would soon accept proposals from foreign bidders to build the nuclear plant at Muria.
"I have only heard the statement from the newspapers and the television," he said. "It will all depend on the central government. I only take orders," he said.
He stressed that he was fully in support of the plan. "If the government decides to set up the plants, we are ready," he said.
Bambang said the location of Lemah Abang was suggested because there would be no trouble about compensation for the land procured, as the area is not inhabited.
Anti-nuclear organizations have stepped up their campaign to block the plan.
During the weekend, a number of non-governmental organizations issued a statement condemning Djali Ahimsa for ignoring demands for a public hearing as soon as the final feasibility studies of a 1,800 megawatt nuclear plant are completed.
Another organization in Solo, Giat (Energy for People), said it is reasonable to ask that the public, particularly the people of Jepara, be given balanced and objective information on the plans.
"But we regret to say that so far the government has monopolized the information flow," said Giat coordinator Wahyu Susilo.
"The government has made it impossible for anyone to distribute information about the dangers of nuclear power plants," Wahyu said.
Giat also said the proposed nuclear power plant is not consistent with the region's basic development plans. (wah/har/anr)