National Energy Council Stresses Nuclear Power to Drive Sustainable Development

Jakarta (ANTARA) - National Energy Council (DEN) member Sripeni Inten Cahyani has stressed that nuclear energy is a necessity that will drive Indonesia’s economic growth and sustainable development in the future. Speaking during a panel discussion entitled ‘American Leadership in Clean Nuclear Strategy’ at @america Jakarta on Tuesday, Inten explained that the development of new energy sources, including nuclear power, must be seen as part of an increasingly urgent national need, as many countries are now developing nuclear energy. ‘If almost all countries are heading in that direction, then in my view, there is no harm in us being part of it. Otherwise, it would be futile, and currently we need electricity with large capacity to be an economic driver, for economic growth; that is actually the key word,’ she said. Based on data compiled by DEN, the level of support for nuclear energy use in Southeast Asia for Indonesia is only around 39 per cent. Therefore, she considers public awareness to be crucial for Indonesia to develop a nuclear energy industry. Inten also called on the younger generation to help shape public understanding of future energy needs. She believes young people are able to view energy issues more objectively based on national development requirements. ‘This young generation can think clearly, can see that this is actually a need and this is the future. A need and the future; and then they just need to be asked to be firm,’ she said. ‘There are those who still express doubts about safety and so forth. We actually live with nuclear every day. When we get an X-ray, there is direct exposure (electromagnetic wave radiation) to us, just in a small capacity,’ Inten added. The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has successfully identified 28 potential locations for the first development of nuclear power plants. Among the 28 locations, three have undergone the entire evaluation process, with one location in Jepara, Central Java, and two other locations in Bangka Belitung.